Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Colorado Rapids, has released former Nigerian international, Daniel Amokachi from his contract.

Amokachi, who joined the Rapids in February, was adjudged to have a "poor fitness level" by Tim Hankinson, the team's coach.

According to the club's officials, Amokachi had "limited action in training", leading to their MLS season opener in Kansas City.

"His fitness level was simply not acceptable. He was far away from being able to contribute [to the team] at the level we needed," Dan Counce, General Manager for the Rapids explained.

"Given time, he probably could have gotten into shape, but the season starts this Saturday and we cannot afford to wait eight or ten weeks for a player."

"We are upset that it did not work out, but it's better to make the move and bring in another player that can help our team.", he said.

The Rapids coach began the search for a new player, even before Amokachi was released from his contract.

He recently travelled to South America in search of new talent.

Daniel Amokachi has not played top-level football since he left Turkish club, Besiktas.

Disappointment diary

Two years ago, English first division side, Manchester City, were keen on signing "The Bull", as Amokachi is popularly known.

But a medical examination of his knee showed that the striker was not fully fit, which scuppered the deal.

A contract that Amokachi signed with German Bundesliga club, 1860 Munich, was terminated for similar health reasons.

Amokachi's knee troubles started just before the 1998 World Cup finals, managing only 45 minutes against Bulgaria in the first round.

He subsequently trained with Creteil, a French division two club and rejected an offer to play for English third division side, Darlington.

But he was also turned down by another English league side, Tranmere Rovers.