Emanuel Pogatetz has left Middlesbrough and signed for German club Hannover 96.

The 27-year old Austrian defender has signed a three-year deal after spending about six years at the Riverside Stadium much to the delight of Hannover boss Mirko Slomka.

"Emanuel is an experienced player who can also play on the left of the defence," said Slomka.

"He will expand our options in defence greatly."