Leeds goalkeeper Charlie Horton quits Elland Road and returns to America to deal with private family matter

Charlie Horton has had his Leeds contract terminated after five monthsUSA Under 23 goalkeeper has gone to America to deal with family matterHorton, 21, was on the bench for Leeds' last seven Championship matchesThe goalkeeper was signed on a free transfer from Cardiff in the summer By Press Association

Published: 14:29 GMT, 23 November 2015 | Updated: 14:29 GMT, 23 November 2015

Leeds goalkeeper Charlie Horton has left the club to deal with a private family matter back home in America.

The USA Under 23 international has had his contract terminated just over five months since joining the club on a free transfer from Cardiff.

'I've had to leave because of a private family matter back home,' Horton told the club's official website.

Charlie Horton (left) shakes hands with former Leeds manager Uwe Rosler on signing from Cardiff in summer

Horton has had his contract at Leeds terminated to return to America and deal with a family matter

Horton said owner Massimo Cellino (pictured) had been compassionate and understanding over the situation

'For me there is only one thing which comes before this football club - my family. That is the sole reason I'm going home.

'I ask people to respect my privacy while I handle it, as it is not a short-term matter.

'I'm extremely grateful for the compassion and understanding I have received from (chairman) Massimo Cellino and (head coach) Steve Evans.

'They have been absolutely top drawer about it. I'm very grateful that they understood and I wish them nothing but the very best going forward.'

The 21-year-old, who started out in the UK with Peterborough before joining Cardiff in August 2014, was on the bench for Leeds' last seven league matches but did not make a senior appearance for the club.

window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({mode: 'autosized-generated-text-under-1r-' + 'row', container: 'taboola-below-main-column', placement: 'wide'}); _taboola.push({flush:true}); var rcShoutCache = '{}'; window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({flush:true});.