MOTHERWELL have announced that Stephen Pearson has left to join Indian club Atletico de Kolkata.

The midfielder scored nine times for the Fir Park club last season in 28 games and the club have said he has been let go 'reluctantly'.

The 33-year-old joins the Indian Super League club with a year remaining on his Motherwell contract, meaning 'Well will receive compensation for releasing him.

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Manager Mark McGhee said that he was 'desperately disappointed to lose Stephen,' but insisted his departure isn't down to any disagreement.The Herald: Motherwell star Stephen Pearson celebrates his goal with Scott McDonald

"It was very much our first option that the player remained at Motherwell, but when we spoke with Pearo it was clear he really wanted to go over there," he said.

“There was absolutely no fall out, it was all extremely amicable, and we understand his personal circumstances. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Motherwell FC.

“However, it was then incumbent upon us to try and recoup something to help us find someone else, and that’s what we’ve done. We have been and are engaged in trying to secure a replacement and the midfield area is our priority.”

The former Scotland international insisted that it wasn't an easy decision to leave, but is confident Motherwell will continue to perform well in his absence.

He said: "This was something I was really keen to do and I want to thank everyone at Motherwell for the way they’ve handled this.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I go, but at the same time, I am confident the club is in decent shape, with a very good manager and some exciting young talent bubbling under the surface waiting to get their chance, alongside the excellent senior professionals already there.

“I’ve enjoyed my second spell at Fir Park; I want to thank the fans for all their support and who knows, one day I may be back for another go at it.”

Pearson began his career at Motherwell before leaving to join Celtic in 2004. He returned for a second spell at Fir Park in January after a spell in India with Kerala Blasters and now returns to the country to compete again in their four-month season.