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Alvaro Saborio's loan agreement has been terminated by mutual consent to allow the striker to return to Costa Rica.

The Tico international has also ended his contract with Swiss club FC Sion in order to be with his family in his home country.

Manager Gary Johnson told bcfc.co.uk: "Alvaro's had problems at home and it's been so bad for him that's he asked to cancel his deal here and end his time with FC Sion as well.

"I don't know what his situation is with his family but it certainly affected his training and he lost his form. He became a shadow of himself and if you're not mentally up for the Championship then it stands out like a sore thumb.

"It must be a big problem to cut your career short and return home."

Alvaro made 21 appearances for City during his loan spell at the club, scoring two goals.

It's the second season in which a foreign player has failed to settle at Ashton Gate, following Peter Styvar's unsuccessful first year at the club following a transfer from MSK Zilina.

City allowed Styvar to join Greek club Skoda Xanthi on loan in the summer to be closer to home, but he has now been given permission by the Championship club to move on again back to Slovakia.

Peter Styvar - now back in Slovakia with Spartak Trnava

Styvar this week ended his loan agreement with Xanthi - after just four appearances - and has joined Spartak Trnava in his home country until the end of the season.

"Peter struggled being away from Slovakia and that's why we allowed him to go out on loan," said Gary. "But he's struggled in Greece too and has now returned to his home country.

"You can't make a blanket statement that all foreigners tend to struggle to settle, that's not true.

"They're all decent players and internationals, and at their levels in their countries they are good players. You take a bit of a chance when you bring a foreign player in. I've had a chat with the chairman and it's a chance we won't be taking again.

"Whether it's the application to the Championship or whether they can handle the pressures of the league and how many games we play, plus homesickness of course.

"It's cost us two players this year and we'll learn from it and move on."

Meanwhile, youngster Jordan Walker has left Ashton Gate. The defender suffered two cruciate knee ligament in recent seasons.

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