'Out-of-shape' Michael Johnson released by Manchester City

Michael Johnson was once the subject of a £10m bid by Liverpool (Getty Images)

Michael Johnson, a player once tipped to be a future England regular, has had his contract paid off by Manchester City, it has been revealed.

The 24-year-old has not played for City since October 2009 and last played competitively for Leicester City in November 2011. He was convicted of two drink-driving offences last September and was offered a severance package from his £40,000-a-week contract by City just before Christmas.

This came to light after a picture circulated on Twitter on Monday night that showed the player, once the subject of a £10m bid by Liverpool, looking out of shape and dishevelled – a far cry from his youth when Sven Goran Eriksson once said that he would not swap him for Steven Gerrard.