Brian McBride has told Fulham that he wants to leave the club as he feels the time is right to return to the US.

After meeting manager Roy Hodgson to discuss his future, McBride said: "After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after four and a half fantastic years. I have always stated my intention to return to America at some stage and this seems like the right moment in my career to move on."

McBride made over 150 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring 40 goals, and was twice voted the club's player of the season. "Brian McBride has been a fine ambassador for Fulham Football Club," Hodgson said. "As my captain last season Brian was truly respected in the dressing room and led by example on the pitch.

"The club would have liked Brian to stay for at least another year but respect the decision he has made with his family."

Fulham have released 10 players including McBride's compatriot Carlos Bocanegra, reserve goalkeepers Tony Warner and Corrin Brooks-Meade, and Jari Litmanen, who joined the Cottagers in the January transfer window but failed to play a first-team game for the club.