Tuesday 27 December 2016 10:24, UK
Jhon Viafara has left Southampton to return to Colombia after his contract was cancelled.
Jhon Viafara has left Southampton to return to Colombia after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
The midfielder, who moved to St Mary's from Portsmouth two years ago, had been keen to head back to his homeland for family reasons.
He made 83 appearances during his time with the Saints and is grateful the Championship club have allowed him to go back to South America.
"It has been a very difficult time for me because my wife is back home alone with the new baby and our daughter," Viafara told the club's official website. "I have been under a lot of pressure.
"It is not easy for her and I want to be with her, so the club have kindly agreed to let me go.
"It is disappointing in some ways because I really do feel Southampton can have a good season.
"It is a great club which deserves to be in the Premiership. I had two fantastic years here and have really enjoyed my time.
"Southampton have been very fair, the chairman has been terrific and we had no problems coming to an agreement.
"I just need to be with my family. If they were here it would be different and I would never have looked to leave."
