Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Schalke 04 have released striker Peter Loevenkrands three days after banishing the Danish international to the reserves.

The German Bundesliga club said Wednesday the player's contract until the end of the season had been terminated "by mutual agreement."

Club general manager Andreas Mueller said Loevenkrands, 28, was a top-quality striker with a good character "but unfortunately things did not work out with us over the last half year."

On Sunday, coach Fred Rutten banished Loevenkrands and midfielder Albert Streit to the reserves after they had both expressed a wish to leave the club.

Loevenkrands joined Schalke in summer 2006 on a free transfer from Glasgow Rangers and scored six goals in 44 games for the club. However injuries have prevented him playing this season. (dpa)