Newcastle United have released South Korea international Ki on a free transfer.
The midfielder will now be able to search for another club from tomorrow after Ki left by mutual consent.
The Magpies have been unable to find a taker for his £60,000 per week wages.
A United statement read: “We can confirm that midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has left St James' Park by mutual consent.
“The 31-year-old former Korea Republic international's contract was due to expire in the summer, but his last Premier League appearance came in a 5-0 defeat at Leicester City in September and the player and club have now come to a joint agreement which sees him depart with immediate effect.”
Ki said in his own statement: “I am always grateful for our fans’ support.
"It was great honour and happiness of mine to play for such a great club as Newcastle United.
"I never forget the time with Newcastle Fans. It is a pity that I could not do better but sometimes in football, there are things I could not overcome.
"Thanks a lot to everybody and so long."
