Saint Etienne, France – Steed Malbranque has decided to terminate his contract with St Etienne after the two sides agreed to end their brief relationship.
Reports from both France and England over the weekend stated that Malbranque was quitting because he had a son who was suffering from cancer.
However, it has since emerged that Malbranque does not have a son and that no member of his family is battling an illness.
A statement from St Etienne read: "At a meeting held between the management of St Etienne and Steed Malbranque, both parties have decided, by mutual agreement, to amicably end their collaboration.
"St Etienne and the player would like to strongly deny all the rumors referring to the health of Steed Malbranque or children that accompanied the decision of the individual."
Malbranque moved to St Etienne over the summer and made one substitute appearance for the team this season after spending 10 years in England with Fulham, Tottenham and Sunderland.
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