Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma is to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.
The 31-year-old has not played for the first team since dislocating an ankle in an Intertoto Cup tie in July 2008.
That injury was followed by a toe problem and after around 18 months out of action, the Dutchman was unable to force his way back into the side.
Manager Martin O'Neill told the club's website, www.avfc.co.uk: "Freddie epitomises the kind of qualities we associate with top Dutch players and he has been really unfortunate to have been sidelined because of injury.
"That came as a real blow because, as a player, I have the utmost regard for him and he has been a totally positive influence at the club throughout my time here.
"He has fought back strongly to get himself fit again and he really wants to get back to the level of which he is undoubtedly still capable, so he wants to take this opportunity to do that and I wish him only the best."
Bouma joined Villa from PSV Eindhoven in a £3.5million deal in 2005.
Source: PA
Source: PA