The English Premier League football club West Bromwich Albion have given French striker Nicolas Anelka notice they are terminating his contract for gross misconduct.
Anelka, who was given a five-match ban following his controversial 'quenelle' salute during a match in December, had earlier said on Twitter he was quitting the Midlands team.
But after Albion said they haven't received any official notification of Anelka's intention to leave, and criticised the 35-year-old for a lack of professionalism, the Premier League strugglers have issued a statement sacking the forward.
The midlands club is fourth from bottom of the table, one place above the relegation zone on goal difference, visit fellow strugglers Swansea City on Sunday.