Portuguese defender Ricardo Costa has left Valencia after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
The 33-year-old former Porto and Wolfsburg centre-back joined Valencia in 2010 and went on to captain Los Che while making a total of 84 league appearances for the club.
His contract was due to expire in June 2015 but he has now been allowed to leave the Mestalla one year early in order to find a new club.
Valencia president Amadeo Silva told the club's official website: "Ricardo has been a great professional and a gentleman from the day he arrived until the day of his departure.
"But all things must come to an end and they need to be addressed calmly and with professionalism.
"We will always remember Ricardo Costa as a player who was committed to the club and he has demonstrated his affection for Valencia on every day of his life with us.''
The Portugal international came close to leaving Valencia when falling out with coach Unai Emery in October 2011 but remained after helping to secure a third-placed finish at the end of that season.
Costa added: "I'm leaving Valencia in good conscience and with the affection of the fans.
"There have been years of great happiness where I felt the support of the fans through the good times and bad.
"It's time to start a new stage of my career, but I will always have Valencia in my heart. I was proud to be the captain of this team.''
