Germany defender Arne Friedrich parted company with 2009 Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg today, and had his contract cancelled by mutual consent with two years still to run.

"I asked VfL Wolfsburg today to be released from my contract," said Friedrich on his website, having had a deal until June 2013. "Both sides have parted amicably. I want to use the next few weeks to consider carefully how to proceed and which path I will take."

Having made the last of his 82 appearances for Germany in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier in June, Friedrich has missed all six of Wolfsburg's Bundesliga matches so far this season and not trained with the team due to back problems.

I want to use the next few weeks to consider carefully how to proceed and which path I will take.
Arne Friedrich

Wolfsburg confirmed they had released him from his contract. "We regret this and wish him well, of course, for his future," said coach Felix Magath.

The 32-year-old had only played 15 of 40 league games for Wolfsburg since joining them from Hertha Berlin after the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

"I will keep you up to date on every case," was all Friedrich said with regards to his future plans, having played in Germany's 1-0 semi-final defeat to eventual winners Spain at the last FIFA World Cup.