Erik Edman leaves Latics

Wigan Athletic have confirmed Swedish international defender Erik Edman has now left the club after his contract, which was due to expire at the end of this season, was cancelled by mutual agreement.

The 31-year old, who signed from French side Rennes in 2008, has been plagued by injuries since his move to the DW Stadium.

And this season he has featured in just four games and two Premier League starts - one of which saw him terrorised by Aaron Lennon in the 9-1 defeat at Tottenham in November.

Since then, he has only featured once, as a substitute, and that was during the 5-0 hammering at the hands of champions Manchester United.

And with first-choice left back Maynor Figueroa signing a new contract this month, Latics boss Roberto Martinez did not see Edman in his long-term plans.

Martinez said: "We found an agreement to allow Erik to go back home as I believe that is what he wanted to do.

"He has had a very tough period with a long-term injury and I'm sure he'll go back home and try to finish his career back in Sweden.

"He was nearly 18 months without first-team action and he needs to play games. The best way to do it is to go back to his home environment and get that feelgood factor."

Edman is now expected to join Swedish outfit Helsingborg, who he first signed professional papers with.