EMMANUEL Latte Lath has said a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Middlesbrough's fans after completing his record-breaking move to Atlanta United.

Latte Lath says Boro and the club's supporters will "always hold a place very close to my heart".

The striker completed his £22.5m Atlanta United switch on Tuesday, leaving Boro after scoring 29 goals in 67 appearances during a short but hugely impressive 18-month period on Teesside.

He established himself as a favourite with the fans at the Riverside and has now thanked the supporters for making him "part of the family".

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Latte Lath posted on his Instagram page: "Dear Middlesbrough family.

"It's time for me to say goodbye. This is really hard for me to say,  but thank you to everyone, the club, my teammates and most importantly you, the fans)

"You made me part of this family and it was easy for me to repay all this by giving 100% every time I stepped on the pitch.

"I want to finish by saying thank you for helping me grow not only as a footballer but as a person. You will always hold a place very close to my heart."

Latte Lath scored 18 goals in a hugely impressive first season at Boro, including nine in the last eight games last term.

That led to a failed move from Ipswich Town on deadline day in the summer.

The Ivorian had a slow start to the current season but rediscovered his form in October and scored 11 Championship goals. Transfer interest was always expected in January, but Atlanta were the only club to make an offer, despite several Premier League clubs having shown an interest.

The move was confirmed on Tuesday, with Latte Lath joining Atlanta for an MLS record fee. It was also a record sale for Boro.

Atlanta start their MLS campaign against Montreal at the end of February.