Paul Telfer has left Celtic before the end of his contract to return to his family in England.

Telfer's family had already returned to Winchester after being unable to settle north of the border and he was due to join them at the end of the season.

The versatile 35-year-old — who played under Celtic manager Gordon Strachan at Coventry and Southampton — last played in the Champions League defeat at AC Milan on March 7 after suffering a groin injury.

A statement on www.celticfc.net read: "It is with great regret that Celtic FC have announced today that Paul Telfer has ended his contract with Celtic for family reasons.

"He has now decided to return to England to be with his family.

"Celtic have reluctantly accepted Paul's decision and we fully respect his request to end his contract with the club.

"Clearly, everyone at the club wishes Paul and his family all the very best for the future."

Telfer signed for Celtic in July 2005 from Southampton and helped the Hoops to win the Bank of Scotland Premier League title and the CIS Cup in his first season.

He made a total of 73 appearances for the club, scoring one goal.