Austrian defender György Garics has parted ways with his club, SV Darmstadt, by mutual consent.

The 32-year-old has terminated his contract with the club following a difficult summer, during which he lost his father. Moreover, on the playing side, he has been troubled by a knee injury which will keep him out of his country’s first World Cup qualifier.

Garics told Die Presse: “It was a very difficult decision, but I had to make for family reasons, unfortunately. I am grateful for the understanding of the association and am glad that I could be a part of this family.”