Franz Ferdinand guitarist and founding member Nick McCarthy has left the band and has already shared a track from his new project, Manuela.

McCarthy formed Franz Ferdinand in Glasgow in 2002 with Alex Kapranos, Paul Thomson and Bob Hardy, but the band said in a statement that he was leaving to focus on 'other musical interests' and that he would not be participating in the recording or touring of their next album because he does not want to be away from his young family.

They did say that his departure was not necessarily 'a permanent situation', but McCarthy has already shared a new track from Manuela, the new band he has formed with his wife Manuela Gerendel. They are expected to release their debut album soon.

Hear new track 'Cracks in the Concrete' below: