Hearts confirmed on Tuesday morning that Glenn Whelan has left the Scottish Premiership side.
A brief statement from the club said that the decision was reached by mutual agreement.
Whelan, who turns 36 next week, joined Hearts in August on a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa earlier in the summer.
News of his departure from Hearts was not unexpected. Late last month, new manager Daniel Stendel questioned the midfielder's leadership qualities.
"I can say he is a good type," said Stendel.
"He wants to take the responsibility but I have seen only three games. Do you have the feeling he is a leader in this group? It’s not Glenn’s fault – but a real leader in the centre of the pitch? Sorry. Maybe I missed it. Michael Smith tries to take responsibility on the pitch.
"Before I came here, they signed some players who have experience and are the right age to take the responsibility but maybe they are not fit at the moment or they cannot handle the situation at the moment."
In all Whelan made 17 appearances during his time at Tynecastle. Three of those were made under Stendel. Though, he was not part of the Hearts squad for their last two games against Hibs and Aberdeen.
With Ireland's Euro 2020 playoff against Slovakia coming in March, Whelan will be on the search for a new club.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
