Duff and Sidwell among nine to leave Fulham

Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell, Giorgos Karagounis, Mahamadou Diarra, John Arne Riise and John Heitinga are among the players who have left Fulham following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Fulham announced the departures, led by former Republic of Ireland international winger Duff, who joined Fulham in 2009.

Sidwell moves on after moving to Craven Cottage, initially on loan from Aston Villa, in January 2011.

Heitinga impressed during his 14-game spell after signing from Everton in January, but he was unable to prevent the slide to the Sky Bet Championship.

Midfielders Karagounis and Diarra, left-back Riise and Derek Boateng depart along with Matthew Briggs and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.