Former Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland has admitted that he was "immensely disappointed" by the way the club handled his departure.

Hangeland's six-and-a-half-year spell with the West London club came to an end today as they announced that his contract had been terminated with immediate effect following their relegation from the Premier League.

However, the 32-year-old revealed that he was informed of the decision via email and believes that he deserved to be treated better given his years of service to the club.

"Today I received the news that Fulham Football Club have chosen to terminate my contract with immediate effect. I was told of this decision via email, without anyone from the club having met me beforehand to discuss my contract or my future with the club," he said in a statement.

"After six-and-a-half years of hard work and loyalty, and having served the last few years as captain, I am immensely disappointed at how this was handled.

"I would like to thank the amazing Fulham fans as these last few years have been the best of my football career. It was a source of pride to wear the white shirt at Craven Cottage. I believe I still have much to offer as a footballer and look forward to the next chapter in my career."

Hangeland, who made 272 appearances for the Cottagers, joins the likes of Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell, Georgios Karagounis, Mahamadou Diarra and John Arne Riise in leaving Craven Cottage this summer.