Pinilla struggled to make an impact at Hearts

Controversial Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla has been released by Hearts after making just eight appearances since arriving at Tynecastle in 2006.

The 24-year-old first arrived in Edinburgh on loan from Sporting Lisbon.

But, after struggling with injury, Pinilla had a loan spell with Universidad De Chile before making a permanent move to Hearts.

His personal life hit the headlines in his homeland and he returned to Hearts to sign a permanent deal last summer.

But, in a short statement on the club website, Hearts have announced that they have now severed their ties with the striker.

MY SPORT: DEBATE He definitely showed enough in the few games he played to show more promise than any other Hearts striker JamboHud

"Hearts have released 24-year-old Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla," it said.

"He appeared twice last season for Hearts, both as a substitute."

Pinilla, who previously had spells with Celta Vigo, Chievo, Racing Santander and Inter Milan, scored just twice for Hearts in his eight appearances.

The striker has scored five times in his 21 appearances for Chile.