Leeds United have confirmed that their Italian defender Giuseppe Bellusci has departed the Yorkshire club, with his contract terminated by mutual consent. 

27-year-old Bellusci spent last season on loan back in his native Italy with Empoli, where he made 31 appearances and netting once.

However, once it become clear that the Italian club were not prepared to offer the defender a permanent club, it was announced in June that Bellusci would not return to Elland Road for pre-season, as he sought employment elsewhere.

However, with his search for a new club proving unsuccessful, Bellusci returned to Leeds earlier this month for pre-season, and played a part in two of their pre-season encounters, against Harrogate Town and Guiseley.

The Leeds fans booed him in the latter match, leading to the 27-year-old being substituted at half time, before becoming embroiled in an exchange with some Whites fans.

Bellusci took to Twitter after the match to launch a message at the Leeds fans who taunted him, which looked very much like there was no route back for him at Elland Road.

Following his arrival from Catania in 2014, Bellusci made 57 first-team appearances for Leeds United, finding the back of the net on two occasions.

He was also famously involved in the controversy that saw six Massimo Cellino signings pull out of a fixture against Charlton Athletic with injury, the day before the match.

Leeds fans - what do you make of Bellusci's departure? Let us know in the comments below...