United to terminate Barthez contract

Manchester United have agreed to terminate Fabien Barthez’s contract from June 30.

Manchester United today revealed they have agreed to terminate Fabien Barthez’s contract at the end of the season.

The French World Cup winner, who joined the club from Monaco for £7.8m (€11.65m) three-and-a-half years ago, has been on loan at Marseille since January 1 after losing his place in the team at Old Trafford towards the end of last season.

United’s decision will mean they cancel Barthez’s contract two days after his 33rd birthday on June 30 and he will be free to join Marseille, or any other club.

A statement from United this morning – released as part of their interim results – read: “Manchester United has reached agreement with Fabien Barthez to terminate his contract with the club with effect from 30 June 2004.

“Barthez joined Manchester United in June 2000 from AS Monaco and was contracted to the club until June 2006.

“As a result of this agreement, the second-half results will include a write-off of the un-amortised balance of the original registration cost and compensation to the player on termination. The total charge will be £5m (€7.5m).”