Dael Fry has released a farewell message after his free transfer from Middlesbrough to Birmingham City.

Dael Fry has officially brought an end to his long association with Middlesbrough by delivering an emotional farewell message after completing his move to Birmingham City. The experienced central defender leaves the club where he began his football journey, closing a chapter that has spanned more than a decade.

Fry completed a free transfer to fellow Championship side Birmingham City after his contract with Middlesbrough expired. The move marks the start of a new challenge for the 28-year-old, who has spent virtually his entire professional career representing the club he supported growing up.

Dael Fry made 296 appearances across over a decade of service to Middlesbrough. | Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

A product of Middlesbrough’s academy, Fry progressed through the youth system before establishing himself as a first-team regular. His rise through the ranks was viewed as a success story for the club’s development programme, with the defender earning opportunities at senior level after impressing during his formative years.

His first-team debut came as a teenager in a Championship fixture against Preston North End. At just 17 years old, Fry featured in a goalless draw, beginning a senior career that would eventually see him become one of Middlesbrough’s most dependable players. Over the years, he developed into a key figure in the squad, making close to 300 appearances in all competitions while representing his hometown club with consistency and commitment.

Throughout his time at the Riverside Stadium, Fry became known not only for his defensive qualities but also for his loyalty to Middlesbrough. Remaining with the club through different managerial changes, promotion pushes and disappointing campaigns, he earned the respect of teammates, coaches and supporters alike. His dedication was eventually rewarded with the opportunity to captain the team, an achievement he described as one of the proudest moments of his career.

Following confirmation of his departure, Fry took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with Middlesbrough supporters. The defender expressed his appreciation for the backing he received throughout his years at the club, explaining how much their support had meant to him as someone born and raised in the local area.

He admitted it would not have felt right to leave without personally thanking the fans who had followed his journey from academy prospect to senior professional. Fry said representing the club he had supported since childhood had provided countless unforgettable moments and remained something he would always treasure.

Reflecting on his career at Middlesbrough, Fry recalled how difficult it was to imagine reaching the milestones he eventually achieved. From making his debut as a teenager to spending more than ten years in the first team, he acknowledged that his journey had exceeded anything he believed possible when he first entered the academy. He also highlighted the honour of captaining the club, describing it as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

While many memories were positive, Fry also recognised that his time at Middlesbrough included moments of heartbreak. One disappointment that still stands out was the club’s defeat in the Championship play-off final at Wembley earlier this year. He admitted the loss had been incredibly painful, revealing that he shared the same sense of devastation experienced by supporters after missing out on promotion.

The defender also used his farewell message to thank everyone behind the scenes who contributed to his development over the years. He expressed gratitude to the teammates he had shared the dressing room with and acknowledged the coaches and staff who helped shape both his football career and personal growth.

According to Fry, Middlesbrough is filled with dedicated people who work tirelessly for the club every day. He praised those individuals and wished them success in the future, adding that both the staff and supporters deserve to experience better days ahead. His message reflected genuine affection for the club and everyone connected with it despite his decision to move on.

Although leaving Middlesbrough was clearly an emotional moment, Fry explained that he is also excited by the opportunity awaiting him at Birmingham City. He described the transfer as the beginning of a fresh chapter in his career and expressed enthusiasm about joining his new teammates. The defender said he is eager to begin work with Birmingham and is looking forward to meeting the club’s supporters as he starts a new challenge in the Championship.

Birmingham City moved quickly to secure Fry’s signature after he became available as a free agent. The experienced defender has signed a three-year contract with the Blues, giving the club an established Championship performer who brings leadership, consistency and significant experience at the second-tier level.

Having made 296 appearances for Middlesbrough across more than ten years of service, Fry arrives at Birmingham with an impressive record of reliability. His knowledge of the Championship is expected to strengthen Birmingham’s defensive options as they prepare for another demanding campaign.

For Middlesbrough supporters, Fry’s departure marks the end of an era. As one of the club’s own academy graduates, he represented the values of loyalty and commitment throughout his spell at the Riverside. His journey from local youngster to club captain earned widespread admiration, making his farewell particularly emotional for fans who watched him grow into an established first-team player.

Although his playing career will now continue at Birmingham City, Fry made it clear that Middlesbrough will always hold a special place in his heart. His farewell message reflected gratitude, pride and sadness in equal measure, while also acknowledging the excitement that comes with embracing a new opportunity. After more than a decade of dedicated service and nearly 300 appearances, Dael Fry leaves Middlesbrough with lasting memories, the respect of supporters and the hope that both his former club and his new team enjoy successful futures.