Mamelodi Sundowns officially announced on Wednesday that the club and Argentinian striker Emiliano Tade have parted ways with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old had reportedly approached the club’s management to release him from his contract and cited personal reasons for cutting his time short at Sundowns.

Tade joined Sundowns from AmaZulu in January after an impressive stint with Usuthu in 2018-19, during which he scored seven goals from 20 appearances across all competitions.

However, the former Auckland City striker found it hard to cement his place in the star-studded Sundowns side. He managed to score only two goals from 12 games in all competitions before being plagued by injuries.

With Tade having left the club, Sundowns are now free to assign another foreigner to their squad during the January transfer window.

The Argentinian striker is now a free agent and can join any club of his choice.

Over the course of his career, Tade scored a total of 112 goals and assisted a further 57 from 191 appearances across all competitions playing for Villa Mitre, Team Wellington, Auckland City, AmaZulu and Sundowns.

The Brazilians’ statement reads:

‘Mamelodi Sundowns’ Argentine forward, Emiliano Tade, approached the club to be released from his contract and the club has conceded after the player cited personal reasons.

‘Tade joined Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this year in January 2019 and was unfortunate to sustain an injury shortly after he joined Sundowns which hampered his progress to cement a place in the squad.

‘He featured in a handful of games for the Absa Premiership Champions but unfortunately, the player sustained a few other niggling injuries which have kept him off the field.

‘The President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, the Board, Management, staff, coaches and players wish to thank Emiliano Tade for his contribution and wish him all of the best in his personal and professional endeavours.’