HEARTS misfit Malaury Martin admits he endured a ‘tough’ time at Tynecastle after leaving the club by mutual consent five months ahead of schedule.
Martin, 32, was contracted to the Jambos until the end of November but, following talks with the hierarchy in Gorgie, agreed to annul the remaining time on his deal.
The Frenchman took to Instagram when his exit was confirmed to post a picture of him celebrating after netting a penalty in a 3-1 Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers in January 2017.
That was one of two goals in 21 appearances for the the playmaker.
In the caption, he wrote: “No better picture than this one to say goodbye. My first game home with maroon on the skin. I will always keep this in my memories.
“No lies that the experience has been a tough one but I met many friends and I will always be proud to have played for this club.”
Martin was signed by former Hearts head coach Ian Cathro in January 2017 after leaving Norwegian outfit Lillestrom but struggled to make an impact during his initial months at the club.
Martin’s situation only got worse when Craig Levein took charge, with the experienced boss conceding that the ex-Nice and Monaco man was ‘not his type of player’.
He made just FOUR appearances for Hearts in the last two seasons and spent the first half of last term on loan with Championship outfit Dunfermline. He ultimately leaves Edinburgh having made 21 outings and notched two goals.
Martin’s departure means that just two of Cathro’s 16 signings during his ill-fated eight months in charge are still at the club, with Michael Smith and Christophe Berra the only survivors.
WHAT HAPPENED TO CATHRO’S CAPTURES?
Lennard Sowah, free agent after leaving Hamilton
Aaron Hughes, retired
Malaury Martin, free agent after leaving Hearts
Andraz Struna, Anorthosis Famagusta
Dylan Bikey, Drancy JA
Moha El Ouriachi, Badalona
Alex Tziolis, Al-Fayha
Tasos Avlonitis, Sturm Graz
Isma Goncalves, free agent after leaving Esteghlal
Rafael Grzelak, Zaglebie Sosnowiec
Kyle Lafferty, Rangers
Michael Smith, HEARTS
Ashley Smith-Brown, Plymouth Argyle
Christophe Berra, HEARTS
Cole Stockton, Tranmere Rovers
Connor Randall, free agent after leaving Liverpool
