YANN Kermorgant has left Reading FC after his contract was cancelled a year early.

Royals confirmed the veteran striker's deal has been 'mutually ended' this morning though it still has 12 more months to run.

Kermorgant was not picked for the last two friendlies, despite being fit and available for selection.

The 36-year-old said his goodbyes to Madejski Stadium staff recently before speaking to the club's website.

He said: “During my time at Reading, I have experienced both the highs and lows of football – the excitement of a third-placed finish and a play-off final at Wembley, then the frustration of injury and the disappointment we all felt as a group last season.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to everyone at the club. And, of course, I would also like to wish the players, all the staff and the fans the very best of luck ahead of the brand new Championship season and for the future.”

The Frenchman scored a career-best 19 league goals in the 2016/17 campaign which fired Royals to the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium, where they were cruelly defeated by Huddersfield Town on penalties.

Reading Chronicle:

Yann Kermorgant scoring for Reading FC.

The 36-year-old was due to retire at the end of last season but u-turned on his decision after Royals offered him a new contract extension, despite suffering a major hip injury in pre-season.

He returned to fitness but struggled to re-capture his lethal goal scoring form, netting just two league goals for Royals last season.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay stated he wanted to keep Kermorgant around the club for his influence on the dressing room as well as his goalscoring capabilities.

But boss Paul Clement has fronzen Kermorgant out of his side - along with midfielder Joey van den Berg, who has also been told he can leave Madejski Stadium this summer.

Clement, 46, stressed he wanted to trim down Royals’ wage bill this summer while bringing in two new strikers.

Joseph Mendes did not have his contract extended while Chris Martin was sent back to Derby County after a disappointing loan spell.

Clement secured the services of Marc McNulty from Coventry City last week and said on Saturday he is already on the lookout for another striker.

And it appears Clement wants Kermorgant to move on to pastures new in order to free up some space for a fresh forward.

He also has Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Sam Smith in his squad, but young Smith has also caught the attention of several League One and Championship clubs for a possible loan move.