Town have confirmed that misfit French winger Ulrich Le Pen has joined Racing Club de Strasbourg. TWTD reported on Thursday morning that the 29-year-old was on the verge of ending his time as an Ipswich player and signing a two-year contract at Strasbourg.

Le Pen made just three appearances as a sub for the Blues after moving from Lorient for £1.4 million in November 2001. He moved to Strasbourg on loan last August.

Town will receive no fee from the Alsace club, however there is a sell-on clause and the Blues will receive cash should Strasbourg qualify for Europe.

Club chairman David Sheepshanks admitted that Le Pen moving to Town was a mistake for all concerned, telling the club site: "The signing of Ulrich Le Pen was neither a success for the club nor the player.

"His brief career with Ipswich Town was fraught with injury from the first few minutes of his debut and subsequently both he and his wife were unable to settle in England, with Ulrich making it clear that he saw his future only in France.

"Since that time it has been a question of trying to secure a permanent move for the player and a release from his contract obligations for Ipswich Town Football Club.

"During his time with us it is hard not to feel sympathy for the player and after his successful loan spell at Strasbourg, we now wish Ulrich well for his future."

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