Sunderland fire Papy Djilobodji

The 29-year-old Senegalese player had been given time off by the 'Black Cats' to look for a new contract elsewhere, but returned having failed to do so. 

Djilobodji hasn't played for Sunderland since 2017, after spending last season on loan with Dijon in France.

Sunderland released a statement explaining in full their reasons for terminating the defender's contract.

"Sunderland AFC has given notice under its contract with Papy Djilobodji," the club said on Wednesday.

The statement continued: "Djilobodji, who was under contract to SAFC until June 2020, indicated in June 2018 that he wished to leave the club.

"In order to facilitate that desire, the club entered into a written agreement with the player allowing him to spend the month of July on voluntary unpaid leave.

"When that period came to an end, the player was expected either to leave for a new club - having reached a deal satisfactory to himself and SAFC - or to return in shape to play professional football.

"Instead, he returned to Sunderland over a month later, in the first week of September, ignoring written requests for his return. On his return, he was subjected to the same fitness test that his fellow professionals had undertaken on their return. He comprehensively failed that test.

"As a result, Sunderland AFC can confirm that it has accepted Papy Djilobodji's repudiatory breaches of contract and notice of the same has been provided to the player."