Crocked striker Mario Bilate leaves Dundee United

DUTCH striker Mario Bilate has ended his frustrating spell at Dundee United.
Mario Bilate arrived at Tannadice at the beginning of last season. Picture: SNSMario Bilate arrived at Tannadice at the beginning of last season. Picture: SNS
Mario Bilate arrived at Tannadice at the beginning of last season. Picture: SNS

United confirmed they had agreed terms with Bilate to allow him to leave Tannadice as he continues to recover from a season-ending cruciate ligament injury.

His playing spell at United already looked finished given his contract was due to expire next summer.

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Bilate netted against Motherwell and Dundee in the first two months of last season after arriving from Sparta Rotterdam in the summer but only played seven times after September after being plagued by hamstring problems.

The 24-year-old suffered another hamstring injury on the opening day of this season and his next match proved his last, a 2-1 defeat by St Johnstone on September 26, before he sustained his knee injury in training.

Bilate told the club’s official website: “I wish I could have shown more to the supporters who have always been very supportive of me.

“Whatever happens next I wish them and the football club the best of luck. I am sad to be leaving as I feel that, despite the current position in the league, the players and the team are improving things.

“However, I know at this stage it is the right thing to do for the club and myself and I will now look to progress my career elsewhere.”

A United statement added: “We wish Mario all the best for the future. We know how disappointed he is not to have featured more regularly but today’s announcement allows him to look to the future.”