Former internationals Patrick Vieira, Jonathan Woodgate and Owen Hargreaves were among those released by their clubs, the Premier League said yesterday when they revealed a list of players given free transfers.
The departures of Manchester United's Hargreaves and Tottenham Hotspur's Woodgate were both widely expected after injuries blighted their spells with their clubs.
Hargreaves' time at Old Trafford was cursed by physical problems and the combative midfielder made only 39 appearances after joining to considerable fanfare from Bayern Munich for £17 million in 2007.
World Cup winner Vieira, who turns 35 next week, was released by Manchester City after playing a bit-part role in their resurgence since joining them from Inter Milan in January last year.
Former Real Madrid defender Woodgate was similarly blighted and spent much of his three-and-a-half years at Tottenham on the treatment table.
The elegant defender was often touted as England's most naturally gifted centre back but managed only four games in his final two seasons.
Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, has branded Chelsea's reported £22 million (Dh132) bid to sign Luka Modric as "ridiculous" and insisted that his midfield star will not be leaving the club this summer.
The 64-year-old Redknapp recently described Modric as "irreplaceable" after the Londoners are understood to have had a £22million offer for the Croatian playmaker rejected on Wednesday night. "Luka is not for sale," Redknapp told the BBC.
"If there has been a bid of £22m, that is ridiculous. There are people being sold for £20m who are not fit to lace Luka's boots."
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell says Arsenal can expect a bid of less than €40 million (Dh207m) if the Catalan club decides to pursue Cesc Fabregas.
Barcelona tried to bring back its former youth player during the offseason last year, but Arsenal refused to sell.
The Spain midfielder has said he has left any decision on his future to Arsenal, while adding that "Barca is the best team in the world and going there guarantees titles."
England international Matthew Upson was one of eight players released by West Ham United as the Premier League's relegated clubs looked to reduce their squad numbers.
Blackpool released 11 players as they prepare for their return to England's second tier, while Birmingham City shed 12 from their books including former England striker Kevin Phillips.
Another French World Cup winner Robert Pires was released by Aston Villa after joining on a free transfer in November and former Liverpool, Chelsea and Netherlands midfielder Boudewijn Zenden was let go by Sunderland.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now
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Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
RESULTS
West Asia Premiership
Thursday
Jebel Ali Dragons 13-34 Dubai Exiles
Friday
Dubai Knights Eagles 16-27 Dubai Tigers
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2A)
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS
The biog
From: Ras Al Khaimah
Age: 50
Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years
Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'
Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Nick's journey in numbers
Countries so far: 85
Flights: 149
Steps: 3.78 million
Calories: 220,000
Floors climbed: 2,000
Donations: GPB37,300
Prostate checks: 5
Blisters: 15
Bumps on the head: 2
Dog bites: 1