Sporting release Bojinov

Sporting Lisbon have announced that they have terminated the contract of Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov.

The Estadio Jose Alvalade outfit released a statement to Portugal’s Securities and Exchange Commission to confirm the player’s contract was no longer valid.

The 27-year-old had no less than three years left on his deal with the Lions, but he was allowed to leave on a free transfer having seen little playing time since signing a five-year contract back in 2011.

Valeri Bojinov spent his early career in Italy, playing for Lecce, Fiorentina, Juventus and Parma, while also appearing in 11 Premier League games for Manchester City.

The Bulgarian joined Sporting in the summer of 2011 from Parma, but has since made just 8 league appearances for the club.

He has enjoyed loan spells with Lecce, Hellas Verona and Vicenza over the last year and a half, and chances are he will be returning to Italy in the near future.