Middlesbrough fans will no doubt have some fond memories of Daniel Ayala.
The centre back first made the move to the Riverside Stadium in October 2013, at that point on loan from Norwich City.
He then completed a permanent move to ‘Boro, in January 2014. The Spaniard then remained with the club until the summer of 2020.
In that time, he made over 200 appearances in all competitions for the club, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2016, and wearing the captain’s armband on numerous occasions.
Since leaving Middlesbrough however, things have not gone as well for Ayala.
Daniel Ayala now without a club
Following his departure from The Riverside Stadium, the centre back joined another Championship club, Blackburn Rovers.
However, the former Middlesbrough man struggled with injuries during his time at Ewood Park.
In total, he managed just 58 appearances in three years with the Lancashire club, before being released last summer.
Ayala then found a new club in October last year. That saw him join Rotherham United, in a move that did not work out.
The 33-year-old made just seven appearances for the club, being sent off twice in that time. Earlier this year, he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to injury. That had seen Ayala left of the club’s 25-man squad list for the second half of this season.
As a result, it has now been announced that the former Middlesbrough man has reached a mutual agreement with Rotherham United to terminate his contract.
Consequently, Ayala now finds himself unemployed, while still not fit to play for some time to come yet.
Middlesbrough fans may have sympathy for Daniel Ayala
It is a tough situation that the centre back now finds himself in.
With no club and a seemingly significant injury, it could be difficult for Ayala to get himself back to fitness again.
At 33 years old, he is also approaching the latter stages of playing career. As a result, it does feel as though he may soon have to make a big decision about his future.
That is a tough call for any player to make, and Middlesbrough supporters may well feel sorry for him.
He enjoyed an impressive career at The Riverside Stadium, and made some important contributions to the club.
With that in mind, there may be some Middlesbrough fans who see it as a sad situation that he now finds himself in.
Indeed, given how big a part he played for the club for so long, there may be a fair bit of interest in what Ayala does next.