NICOLAS ANELKA has announced he will tear up his contract with West Bromwich Albion and leave the club over the fall-out from his 'quenelle' goal celebration.

Anelka was to begin a five-match ban on Saturday, imposed for making the gesture - which has anti-Semitic links - after scoring against West Ham on December 28.

An independent regulatory commission accepted there was no intent by Anelka to be anti-Semitic but his club opted not to appeal.

After holding talks with his employers, Anelka said: "I have taken the decision to free myself and put an end to the contract linking me with West Bromwich Albion."