Third Division Darlington have been left "devastated" by the news that Colombian international Faustino Asprilla has turned his back on the club.
The former Newcastle star had agreed a deal with Quakers chairman George Reynolds to return to England and the club secured a work permit for him on appeal.
However, Darlington revealed the midfielder had jetted out of the country early this morning, believed to be heading for the Middle East.
Club spokesman Luke Raine confirmed: "He left Newcastle at 5.30 a.m. this morning to catch a connecting flight to the Middle East.
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"He has not just done that overnight. I think it is absolutely despicable. He did not have the good grace to say 'well I have some doubts about joining the club'".
PA