Romanian international Zsolt Masteleriu has been let go by Oxford City Stars.

The signing of the experienced 26-year-old defenceman last summer had been hailed by the club as sending a strong message to the rest of English League South Division 1.

However, Stars have been involved in a relegation dogfight this season and they confirmed that Masteleriu would not be in the squad for the two remaining games of the season this weekend, at Cardiff and Chelmsford.

Masteleriu played 28 games for the Stars this season, scoring six goals.

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The club thanked him for his contribution to the season and wished him well for the future.

Head coach Darren Elliot said: “Zsolt has played his part in our season so far, and it’s a shame for supporters that he won’t be finishing the season as an Oxford player.

“We’re sure he’ll have no problem finding a place in a good team, whether that be here in the UK or elsewhere, and we’d always welcome him back onto the ice at Oxford if he comes back as an opposition player.”