Dael Fry sends emotional message to Middlesbrough fans as Birmingham move confirmed | OneFootball

Dael Fry shared a message on Instagram after he left Middlesbrough to sign for Birmingham City.

Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry has ended a 21-year association with the Teesside club after signing for Birmingham City following the expiration of his contract at the Riverside Stadium.

Fry rose through the ranks at Boro after joining his hometown club at the age of seven from local side Cleveland Juniors, going on to represent the club at all age levels, and even representing England at youth level.

He made his full debut for the club back on the opening day of the 2015/16 season in a 0-0 draw against Preston North End, and would go on to become a stalwart in the heart of the defence, racking up just shy of 300 appearances across all competitions.

Last term, Fry captained Boro to the Championship play-off final, where they fell to defeat to Hull City under the Wembley arch, which marked the conclusion of his 21-year-long career at his hometown side.

Now, the 28-year-old will embark on a new journey with Championship rivals Birmingham, after he opted to join the promotion hopefuls at the end of his Middlesbrough contract.

Dael Fry pens heartfelt social media message to Middlesbrough fans after Birmingham City transfer

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Weeks of speculation regarding the future of the Middlesbrough skipper was finally put to bed on Friday afternoon, as he was announced as a Birmingham player.

This summer has already been a tough one for Boro fans with the spygate controversy and Wembley heartbreak, and it's now got even worse following the departures of both local lads in Fry and Hayden Hackney.

After confirmation of his move to the Midlands, Fry took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with his former fans, marking his appreciation for them over his 21 years on Teesside.

Fry posted an image of him applauding the supporters, with a caption that read: "To all Boro fans.....

"Thank you for your fantastic support over the years. As a local lad, it’s meant so much to me and I couldn’t leave without saying thank you.

"I’ve got so many special memories of playing for the club I’ve supported all my life. Having come through the Academy to make my debut at Preston all those years ago, and to go on and play a part with the first team for over 10 years is something I could never have imagined. And to captain the club as well was a dream come true.

"There’s been disappointments as well, not least the play-off final in May when, like you, I was absolutely heartbroken at Wembley.

"I’d also like to say thanks to all the players I’ve played with and to the staff who have helped me in becoming the player I am and the person I am. There’s some fantastic people at the club, I wish them all the very best for the future. Like the fans, they deserve success too.

"I’m sad my time has come to an end, but equally I’m looking forward to a fresh start now at Birmingham City and I can’t wait to get started with the club.

"See you all soon, Dael ❤️" the former Boro skipper signed off with.

How Middlesbrough fans reacted to Dael Fry's departure

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The reaction to Fry's departure wasn't well received by Boro fans on social media, with supporters flocking to X to share their disappointment that the club were unable to reach an agreement to keep him in the red and white.

One supporter was left outraged that more effort wasn't made to retain Fry, which came as another hammer blow following the transfer of Hackney to Everton just days before.

Another called out the club for allowing him to leave and wished Fry well for the future.

Another felt the heart and soul had been ripped out of the club within a matter of days following the quickfire departures of both Hackney and Fry.