England spinner Monty Panesar has apologised to Sussex County Cricket Club for 'letting them down' following the outfit's announcement that he will be released from his contract at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old is free to leave the club following reports that Panesar urinated on bouncers during a night out in Brighton earlier this month.

In a statement on Sussex's official website, Panesar said: "I am grateful to Sussex for allowing me to be released from my contract for 2014 and 2015 in order to explore other opportunities to further develop my cricket. I want to give myself the best chance of playing all forms of the game at the highest level.

"I would like to thank Sussex for the opportunities, experiences and support I have enjoyed at the club since 2010, and my gratitude for the contribution Sussex have made in providing me with a platform to gain selection for England on three successive winter tours.

"I have endured a challenging time this year off the field and my frustrations have sometimes got the better of me professionally. I apologise for letting the club, my colleagues and my fans down."

Panesar, who has stated that he will seek guidance for his off-field problems, has been given permission to finish the season on loan at a Division Two club.