The Portland Timbers have announced the departure of former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor.
Taylor, who left St James' Park at the end of last season, made nine starts in the MLS after signing for the Timbers in August.
General manager Gavin Wilkinson told the club's official website: "We appreciate Steven's contributions while in Portland and wish him all the best."
Timbers, Steven Taylor mutually agree to part ways: https://t.co/M4CJB1lzri #RCTID pic.twitter.com/V9esNnrFqi
- Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 15, 2016
The 30-year-old added: "I'd like to thank everyone at Portland Timbers for an unforgettable few months on and off the field.
"Firstly, I've got to thank [owner] Merritt Paulson and Gavin Wilkinson for giving me the opportunity to represent such a fantastic club as well as [manager] Caleb Porter, my teammates and all the staff. Caleb is a top-class coach and I loved playing for him. There's a great locker room at the club and the players made me feel at home from day one.
"The backroom team have also been brilliant with me. I've never felt fitter. I didn't miss a day's training and I loved coming to work every day.
"Also, I want to thank the Timbers Army for their support on the pitch and in the city. They were so welcoming and so supportive. I loved playing for them. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Portland, and the club, the people and city couldn't have done more for me. I was proud to pull on the jersey and represent the club, especially in such a special place to play like Providence Park.
"While I will be returning to the other side of the Atlantic, I wish the Timbers and their supporters all the best as I continue following them and supporting them from afar."
Timbers, who won the MLS Cup in 2015, failed to make the playoffs in 2016.
