Chelsea hero Mikel John Obi has been released by ChampionshipMiddlesbrough.

The Nigeria captain signed a short-term deal midseason with Boro to June and it's now been confirmed it won't be renewed.

Obi is expected to seek a new club in England before considering offers from abroad.

He had moved to Boro last season after two campaigns with Tianjin TEDA in China.

Along with the former Blues star, Boro have also cut loose veteran midfielder Stewart Downing.