LISBON. Dec 11: Former

England manager Bobby Robson cut short his contract with Sporting Lisbon by mutual consent. club president Jose Sousa Clntra said in a statement on Friday, reports Reuter.

Sousa Clntra said Robson's departure followed Sporting's unexpected elimination from the UEFA Cup on Tuesday when they let slip a 2-0 first leg lead to go out 3-2 on aggregate on unfancied Austria Salzburg.

“It was easy for us to reach an agreement." Sousa Clntra said, hinting that the club wanted Robson to leave and he did so without much regret

"This decision does not call into question Robson s prestige. I am still his friend but Robson belongs to the past

If he goes to train another club, sporting will not pay him any compensation But if he remains inactive the club will honour Its commitments." he added in emphasising the mutual parting of the ways.

Souaa Clntra did not say how much money was at stake. Robson was in his second season with Sporting with his contract due to expire in June next ^^Nobody understands why Robson altered the lineup In Austria to change it from an attacking team to a defensive one." Souaa Clntra said.