Shaun Maloney played just 14 games for the Fire. Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports

Fire midfielder Shaun Maloney is leaving Chicago just eight months after signing with the MLS franchise.

The 32-year-old former Celtic man has agreed to join English club Hull City, Fire coach Frank Yallop said.

"It's not official yet, but basically Shaun, for family reasons, has asked to have a chance to go back," Yallop told reporters on Thursday. "We're working on it right now."

Maloney scored three goals in just 14 matches for the team.

"Obviously, you've got to feel for the individual," said Yallop. "He loves the team. He loves Chicago. But there are things he has to sort out and be there for people.

"We did fine on the deal, because in the end we sort of had to make it happen for Shaun, for him and his family.

"I didn't want Shaun to leave, but it is what it is, and at some point there's a human part of this."