The Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has not played for the club since May, has been released from his contract by mutual agreement.

A statement on Spurs’ official website on Sunday morning said: “We can confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Emmanuel Adebayor which will see him released from his contract with the club. We wish Emmanuel well for the future.”

Adebayor has not been included in Mauricio Pochettino’s 25-man Premier League squad for this season or given a squad number and after the Tottenham manager spoke about the 31-year-old Togo forward at a press conference on Friday there seemed little doubt he would not play for the club again.

Pochettino confirmed he had spoken with the player over the summer to explain that his future did not lie at White Hart Lane. “I was very clear with him, we had a conversation before the end of last season and I explained my idea,” the said on Friday.

“I think it is clear he is not in my mind or in the plans for the future of Tottenham. It is not a problem for him or a problem for us. It was clear from the beginning three or four months ago and it was his decision whether to stay or not. We are always available to help him, we have a good relationship. The only problem now is to find a solution for him and a solution for the club, something that is good for both sides.”

Despite being told he would be allowed to find another club and holding an hour-long chat with the West Ham manager, Slaven Bilic, it is understood Adebayor had refused to leave White Hart Lane unless Spurs paid up the remainder of his contract - believed to be worth as much as £5m.

Pochettino also revealed that Adebayor had been training with the under-21 squad after a self-imposed exile from the senior set-up.

The former Arsenal striker, whose contract was due to run until next summer, has been with Spurs for four years, initially signing on loan from Manchester City in 2011, scoring 18 goals, before making the switch permanent the following season.

Last season – Pochettino’s first in charge at Tottenham – Adebayor made only 17 appearances in all competitions, netting twice.