The Mikael Silvestre era has come to an end in Portland.
The Timbers announced on Monday evening that the club and player came to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, making the veteran French central defender a free agent. Per league and club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We would like to thank Mikael for his service to the club and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson said in a club statement.
Head coach Caleb Porter had said earlier on Monday that the team was still in the process of figuring out where Silvestre fit into their plans. In the end, it appeared that he didn't.
Silvestre, 36, made eight league appearances, logging 633 minutes for the Timbers in 2013. He sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee on May 2 and missed the remainder of the campaign.
“I loved my time with the Timbers,” Silvestre said in a club statement. “My family and I have enjoyed our time in Oregon and we plan to stay here for the foreseeable future. I am excited to stay and seek other opportunities.
"The fans here have created one of the strongest fan bases I have seen in my career. I would like to thank them for their undying support, they have made my experience here unforgettable. For the Timbers, the squad has momentum after a strong finish last year and I wish them the best for the coming season.”
