Lee heads Middlesbrough's clear-out

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

MIDDLESBROUGH, England (AFP) — South Korea striker Lee Dong-Gook was released by Middlesbrough on Tuesday as Gareth Southgate started a clear-out that also saw Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta leave the Premier League club.

Lee, 29, struggled to break into the first team at the Riverside Stadium after his free transfer from Pohang Steelers in January 2007.

He scored only twice in 29 appearances and hadn't played for Southgate's side since February, making his exit inevitable.

"We took a chance on signing Dong Gook at a time when money was tight," Southgate told Middlesbrough's website. "By his own admission he didn't play as well as he thought he could, but he was never a minute's problem.

"He has offers from clubs in Japan and possibly Germany...