Hull City have been left reeling by the shock departure of veteran Henrik Pedersen, who has returned to Denmark for "family reasons".The former Bolton man, who had one year left on his deal with the KC Stadium outfit, made 21 Championship appearances last season.

Manager Phil Brown had been keen to utilise the 33-year-old's experience next term, but has allowed him to depart early due to family reasons.

"It's a disappointing one. It's a shock to everybody," Brown told the BBC.

"It's a decision I respect as it's for family reasons. He has commitments back in Denmark.

"There was a year's contract on the table and Henrik's asked permission to come out of that.

"He's promised he will only play for his home town team back in Denmark, Silkeborg."

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