James McClean has parted ways with Derry City with immediate effect after reaching a mutual agreement with the club to end his contract. The 37-year-old returned to his hometown side from Wrexham in January, but had been entirely absent from matchday squads since July following an internal dispute.
The resolution follows public friction earlier this month, when McClean described an earlier attempt by the League of Ireland club to terminate his deal as "incomprehensible." He also revealed that his period in exile had been "one of the most difficult periods in my life, personally and professionally." However, a joint statement issued on Wednesday confirmed that both McClean and Derry City are "satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively."
Addressing the agreement, McClean acknowledged that his return "did not work out as I had hoped," but insisted Derry City "will always hold a special place in my heart" while thanking the fans and wishing the squad, management, and staff the best. Club chairman Philip O'Doherty also paid tribute to McClean "for his dedication to his hometown club," citing his 103 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland as a remarkable milestone and formally acknowledging his wider contribution to Irish football.
McClean initially began his playing journey at Institute before moving to Derry in 2008, spending three years at the Brandywell prior to joining Sunderland in 2011. He went on to spend nearly 15 years across the Premier League and English Football League with Wigan, West Brom, Stoke, and Wrexham before returning to Derry in January. As Derry City head into their final League of Ireland Premier Division game away to Sligo Rovers on Friday (19:45 GMT), McClean also sent his best wishes to the team for their upcoming FAI Cup final decider against Waterford at Aviva Stadium on 8 November.