Ghana star Andre Ayew has now reacted to his contract being torn up by Xavi Hernandez's former club Al Sadd.
On Sunday, the Qatari team released a statement confirming that the club and player had parted ways after a mutual termination of his contract was agreed.
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Ayew joined the side, then managed by current FC Barcelona boss Xavi, as a free agent in 2021 following his departure from EFL Championship side Swansea City.
In his first campaign in the Middle East, the 33-year-old scored 15 goals in 21 league appearances to help Al Sadd win the Qatar Stars League in the 2021/22 season, and also played a pivotal role in their Emir Cup triumph.
Following his surprise exit from the club on the weekend, Ayew released a statement on social media in which he paid homage to Xavi.
"Big thanks to Al Sadd SC, the coaches and management who believed in me at Al Sadd SC, especially Xavi who brought me here, and [current Al Sadd manager] Juanma Lillo and to all my teammates who have become brothers," he wrote on Instagram.
"I also want to thank the amazing fans for the massive support all these years. It was great and humbling serving this great club.
"The trophies we won and the impact we made was based on hard work and I count myself fortunate to have been part of the club's rich history.
"We won: The Qatar Stars League, The Qatar FA Cup [Emir Cup]. I wish Al Sadd FC all the best.
"The club will always have a special place in my heart because Ayew and Al Sadd started decades ago and will never end."
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No reason has been given for the termination of his Al Sadd deal, although speculation has it that it was done to clear the way for a transfer to another Qatari club, Al Rayyan.
Reports also suggest, though, that Ayew could instead make a return to Europe, with French giants Olympique Marseille showing interest in making a move for the Ghana forward.
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