MANCHESTER, England Former world footballer of the year George Weah quit Manchester City after appearing in just nine games on Monday in what was described as an "amicable" separation.
The former AC Milan forward asked to be released from his two-year contract with the Premier League club after being named as substitute against Bradford City on Saturday the fourth time he has been left out of the lineup this season.
He held talks with city manager Joe Royle on Monday where his request to leave Maine Road was accepted by the club and his contract was terminated.
Weah said: "It's a situation I thought wouldn't arise. However having spoken to Joe Royle we have amicably agreed it will be best for both parties to terminate my contract.
"I will now review my own situation at a later date." Weah, voted world player of the year in 1995, started just seven games and made two substitute appearances for City following his free transfer from Milan in the summer. He scored four times with three of those goals coming against first division Gillingham in the league cup.
Royle said: "It's always regrettable when things don't work out between a club and a player. George is a true professional who has great stature throughout European football.
We wish him well." Weah leaves for America in the next 24 hours where he carries out work for the UNICEF charity and FIFA before deciding where to continue his career.
He has already received lucrative offers to finish his career in America.
The 34-year-old first came to the fore at Monaco under the guidance of Manager Arsene Wenger before moving to Paris St. Germain and then AC Milan.
He spent the final part of last season on loan at Chelsea where he won an FA Cup winner's medal in May, but his switch to newly promoted Manchester City in the summer came as a surprise.
Meanwhile City have agreed a three million pound fee with Everton for defender Richard Dunne, who will hold talks with the club today.
(Reuter)