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Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Chris Casement heading for Linfield exit door and an uncertain summer

Chris Casement admits he faces an uncertain summer as he prepares to leave Linfield at the end of the month.

The defender will become a free agent when his current contract expires on May 31.

Casement's imminent departure comes after the 32-year-old failed to reach agreement on a new deal at Windsor Park.

"I held negotiations with Linfield but we just couldn't come to an agreement," Casement said.

"Talks broke down so come May 31 I will be a free agent and moving on.

"I don't know where I am going. Things are obviously uncertain at the minute in terms of the league being extended or not, and when the transfer window opens etc.

"It would be good to have some clarity, but everything will happen when it happens.

"For now it is just a waiting game, but I will be moving on. Both parties have agreed it is time for me to move on."

Casement added: " Linfield offered me a new deal and we held talks. A contract offer was made.

"We talked about it but couldn't reach an agreement. We thought it was in both our interests that I moved on.

"I loved my time at Linfield, and I was very lucky over two spells there. I had some of the best football experiences of my life at Linfield.

"The European campaign last summer was a big highlight, and five league titles and three Irish Cups.

"I had a great time and have been very lucky, and the lads have been fantastic.

"I loved my time there, but now it is time for a new challenge and I am excited by the future.

"The next few weeks and months will be interesting. I am in no rush right now because things are so uncertain. But physically, and mentally, I am in a good place right now."

Casement hopes his Linfield exit is rewarded with a farewell league title.

The Blues led the Danske Bank Premiership by four points when all football was suspended back in March, but doubts persist over when - or if - the current campaign will be completed.

The Irish FA has granted the NI Football League an extension to complete the current campaign if required, while a recommendation on how to complete the season will be made before June 30 by NIFL's steering group.

There have been some calls for David Healy's Blues to be crowned champions if the season is ended early, while others believe the entire campaign should be completely voided if it doesn't restart.

"I would obviously love Linfield to be crowned champions so I could get another league winner's medal," Casement said.

"But I am sure Coleraine and other teams would have something to say about it. And there are teams at the bottom who are fighting their own battles, and also in the Championship.

"But I think that over 31 games, teams have earned the right to be where they are.

"It is a difficult one. I can understand why they are taking their time. But with three quarters of the season played, I think Linfield should be awarded the title.

"I know people have said the likes of Celtic got the Scottish title 'handed' to them, but they earned the right to be top. They are up there for a reason.

"The same applies to Linfield."

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