Steed Malbranque has not ruled out playing again after one of the most confusing periods of his career.

The French midfielder left Sunderland this summer and joined Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne, only to leave last week, with the club confirming he had left by mutual consent.

It was thought his playing days were over as a result, but the 31-year-old has today said he has not yet decided what his next move is going to be.

I did not take pleasure in training. I tried to be happy but I could not.
Steed Malbranque explains his decision to leave Saint-Etienne

"I never said that," he told L'Equipe, referring to suggestions he was retiring. "The club said that. I am still hesitant. I cannot put myself in the future."

Malbranque's decision to walk out on Les Verts so soon into his contract remains an unusual one. "I did not take pleasure in training. I tried to be happy but I could not," he said.

He has not ruled out a return to England, where he spent ten years with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and latterly Sunderland, adding: "England probably suited me better."