Celtic have confirmed the departure of Stephen McManus to Middlesbrough on a three-year deal.
The former Hoops skipper spent the second half of last season on loan at the Championship club and has made the move permanent. McManus joins forces with former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan, as well as old team-mates Barry Robson, Chris Killen, Willo Flood and Scott McDonald.
A statement on Celtic's official website read: "Celtic Football Club has bid farewell to their former captain, Stephen McManus, after 10 successful years at the Hoops. The 27-year-old has joined Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough after spending the remainder of last season on-loan to the Championship side."
It continued: "McManus was a product of Celtic's youth academy before making his first-team debut in 2003 and was handed the captaincy on a permanent basis when Neil Lennon left the club four years later.
"The defender meets up with former Celts Scott McDonald and Willo Flood as he signs a three-year deal with the English side.
"Everyone at the club offers Stephen and his family their sincere best wishes for the future and thanks him for his great contribution to the club."
McManus, who had earlier completed a medical on Teesside, is the fourth man to join Boro this summer following Andy Halliday, Kris Boyd and Nicky Bailey.
The Scotland international spent the second half of last season on loan with the club and made 16 appearances in an impressive spell which persuaded Strachan he could do the job on a permanent basis.
McManus becomes the latest Old Firm recruit to head for the Riverside, following in the footsteps of the Celtic quartet and Rangers striker Boyd.
Source: PA
