Veteran striker Christian Vieri has parted company with Serie A club Atalanta.
Veteran striker's contract ended by mutual consent
Veteran striker Christian Vieri has parted company with Serie A club Atalanta.
It is claimed that criticism from supporters unsettled the former Italy international and he has now decided to leave Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
Vieri returned to Atalanta for the third time in his career last summer from Fiorentina.
But the 35-year-old, who has made just nine appearances for La Dea this season, has now had his contract ended by mutual consent.
"I want to thank Atalanta for the way they have dealt with me throughout the season and throughout my previous experiences wearing the black and blue shirt," Vieri told the club's official website.
Meanwhile club president Alessandro Ruggeri admitted that the club had been unable to persuade the frontman to change his mind.
"I'm disappointed as I'm sure everyone who loves the club is. I don't know what he will do now, whether or not he will continue to play after this experience with Atalanta," he said.
"But I'm sure he's very bitter. I haven't spoken to him yet but others of my colleagues have and he was adamant.
"I don't think there was any way to make him stay."
Vieri has netted 142 goals in his Serie A career and won 49 caps for Italy.
