Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has wished Mikael Forssell well for the future as Blues confirmed the departure of the Finland striker.

The Blues boss sent Forssell packing from St Andrew’s with his blessing, after the striker signed a pre-contract agreement with Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96.

The 27-year-old has signed a three year pre-contract deal with the Bundesliga outfit. His existing contract at Blues is due to expire on June 30.

McLeish said: “I’ve spoken with Mikael to wish him all the best for the future. He has been an excellent servant to Birmingham City and he goes with my highest regards and I’m sure the best wishes of everyone else connected with the club too.

“Mikael has chosen to go to Hannover and take up the next chapter of his career there. He was a great asset to this club and I know how much he loved his time in Birmingham.

“He is a top professional and a very good player – very much in the mould of the type I am looking to bring into the club to strengthen the squad.”

Forssell is no stranger to German football after a successful loan spell with Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2003, when he scored seven goals in 12 appearances.