Haaland could still take his own legal action

Manchester City defender Alfie Haaland's career looks to be over after the club revealed there was no chance of him recovering from his long-standing knee injury.

Haaland, 30, was informed of the board's decision to exercise a medical clause in his contract on the same day he discovered City will not be pursuing Roy Keane for damages over a horror tackle in April 2001.

Blues chairman David Bernstein served Haaland with six months notice on his contract, due to run until 2005, after medical advice suggested he will not play again.

"I saw Alfie on Thursday and discussed this with him and it was not an easy conversation," Bernstein told the Man City website.

"The whole thing has been incredibly sad. Alfie worked very, very hard to get himself fit and this decision has not been arrived at easily.

"It's very difficult for Alfie and very difficult for us, but it is my responsibility to get a proper balance on these things and protect the club's interests.

"My colleagues and I have agonised over this decision but I believe we have allowed sufficient time to pass."

Haaland has played for just 48 minutes since Keane's Old Trafford tackle, which the Norwegian claimed aggravated a long-standing injury on his other knee.

In his autobiography, Keane said the tackle was deliberate and motivated by revenge.

The Football Association banned the Irishman for five matches and fined him a record �150,000 fine.

Haaland is still considering taking his own legal action after City withdrew their support on the grounds that victory in the case appeared to be slim.