Barcelona release Henrique

Barcelona have cancelled the contract of Brazilian defender Henrique by mutual consent.

The 25-year-old moved to the Nou Camp for an initial fee of €8m (£6.5m) from Palmeiras in 2008.

He signed a five-year deal upon his arrival, but failed to make a single appearance for the La Liga giants and spent the last four seasons out on loan.

A statement on Barcelona's official club website read: "Barcelona announce that the player Henrique Adriano, on loan to Palmeiras until June 30, will on that date rescind his contract with the club which runs until June 30, 2013."

Henrique also spent a season with Bayer Leverkusen and two with Racing Santander.