Portland Timbers head coach Caleb Porter has admitted it was difficult to release striker Frederic Piquionne this week.
The 35-year old French forward was allowed to return home to the French overseas country of Martinique in order to deal with some family issues pertaining to his mother.
During his time away, the Timbers were in contact with Piquionne regarding his future at the club but Porter said a change had to be made.
"He had an issue he needed to sort out with his mother, so we allowed him to go home," Porter said.
"But we were in communication with him the entire time trying to figure out the situation and where he was at and where we were at.
"In the end, mutually we decided it was best for the club and he decided it was best for him at this point in his career and his life that we go in another direction."
The former Saint-Etienne, Monaco, Portsmouth and West Ham United striker scored seven goals and provided six assists in 29 appearances in all competitions for the Timbers.
