Goran Pandev has successfully had his Lazio contract ripped up after a tribunal hearing.

The Lega Calcio tribunal ruled that the striker could terminate his contract and was owed €160,000 in damages after he was frozen out of the squad for six months.

"I am so very happy, it is the end of a nightmare," grinned the Macedonian. "It is something I never expected and would not want to go through again.

"I'm sorry for Lazio, but on the other hand I had to get away from a person who hurt me very much."

Pandev made it clear he blamed President Claudio Lotito and director Igli Tare for the fact he was left on the sidelines all season.

"I will always remain a Lazio fan and I thank the supporters. I feel for them, as they're going through a difficult time because they realise who they're dealing with now.

"Lotito and Tare do not deserve to run such a prestigious club."