McClean leaves Derry City after contract dispute

James McClean says Derry City "will always hold a special place in my heart" after he and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

McClean returned to his hometown club from Wrexham in January but had not been included in a matchday squad since July.

Earlier this month, the 37-year-old described an earlier attempt by the League of Ireland club to terminate his contract as "incomprehensible" and said his exile from the squad was "one of the most difficult periods in my life, personally and professionally".

But in a joint statement released on Wednesday, the club and McClean said they are "satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively".