Middlesbrough fires coach Karanka as team faces relegation

English Premier League (EPL) side Middlesbrough on Thursday announced that coach Aitor Karanka has left the football team after three-and-a-half seasons.

The club issued a statement on its official website confirming the departure of the Spanish coach, reports Efe.

Middlesbrough explained that the departure of Aitor took place after discussions, as "both parties have agreed that it is in the best interests of the club to make this change."

"The club would like to thank Aitor for all his hard work over the past three-and-a-half years and for the success we've had during that time," the statement acknowledged.

The English club wished the Spaniard "all the best" for the future.

Karanka thanked the English club "for a wonderful opportunity," as well as players, staff and all people he worked with at Middlesbrough.

"I'd also like to thank the fans for their support," the coach said.

Karanka added that the English side "will always hold a special place for me and I wish everyone connected with Middlesbrough football club the very best for the future."

Middlesbrough appointed Karanka's assistant Steve Agnew as caretaker.

The Boro is currently in the penultimate position in the EPL table with only 22 points, with a 44-point gap behind leaders Chelsea.

--IANS

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