Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has announced that he is taking a break from football for family reasons.
The 35-year-old only joined Bury in June and was expected to make his competitive debut for the club against Charlton Athletic on the opening weekend of the new League One season.
However, he has now terminated his contract with the club and will spend time away from the game, although he hopes to return in some capacity in the future.
"I have asked Bury FC to cancel my contract with immediate effect and I am thankful to the gaffer and the chairman for the compassion and understanding they have shown," Kirkland told the club's official website.
"I know people will find it hard to understand why someone like myself, who has been lucky enough to have spent my professional life in football and enjoyed all the benefits that comes with that, needs some time and space away from the game; however, it's a decision I've taken putting my family's future and well-being first.
"It's been the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but I know it's the right one. I hope, at the appropriate time, I might be able to, again, be involved and work within football, either as a player or in coaching or even work within the community. I believe that taking this break will allow me to come back refreshed, with a new perspective on the game that will be valuable to someone."
Bury manager David Flitcroft added: "It's been a difficult situation to deal with for me as a manager. When someone like Chris Kirkland, who has so much to offer the game as a player and as a person comes into your building and says he doesn't want to and can't carry on you have to listen.
"Chris needs time out away from the game he loves, but family is and will always be more important than football. Chris has chosen to devote all his time to his family and both the club and I support his difficult decision.
"He knows of the unconditional support he has and will always receive from me and the club. We wish Chris and his family well and I hope to see him return in some capacity to football when the time is right for him."
Kirkland has previously played for Liverpool, Wigan Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and most recently Preston North End.
Barney Corkhill
