Jason Puncheon says it has been an "honour and a privilege" to represent Crystal Palace over the past six years.
The popular midfielder is set to leave Palace this summer after the Eagles announced his exit in a statement this afternoon (Friday), bringing to an end almost six years at the club.
Puncheon joined initially on loan from Southampton in 2013, before making the move permanent in January 2014, and he has since scored 16 goals in 169 appearances for the club, including some important strikes in the Eagles' recent history.
The Croydon-born midfielder has also captained his hometown club, and speaking after his exit was confirmed, he has spoke of what that meant to him as he reflected on his time at Palace.
"It’s been an honour and a privilege to have represented my hometown club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever," he said, as quoted by the club website.
"I would like to thank everyone at Palace; in particular all of my teammates and the managers and coaches I’ve played under. Thank you to all of the amazing backroom staff, including the medical team for your relentless work in helping me back from injury, Danny the Kitman, Christine our club secretary and all of the fantastic kitchen staff for everything you’ve done for me during my time at Selhurst Park.
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"A special thank you to the chairman Steve Parish, who has always been a huge figure of support for me throughout my time here. Steve has the very best interests of the club at heart and I thank him for everything he’s done.
"I cannot leave without a mention to our fans. The love and support you’ve always shown me through thick and thin will stay with me forever. It’s meant everything. Thank you for always believing in me and this great club.
"To have had the honour of captaining the club, my club, the club I supported as a boy, will always remain with me as one of my proudest achievements. I’ve loved every minute of my time at Palace and would like to wish everyone at the club, and our amazing fans, all of the very best for the future."
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Puncheon, who has been on loan at Huddersfield Town in recent months, will be back at Selhurst Park this weekend for Palace's home game against AFC Bournemouth to participate in the squad's traditional post-match lap of appreciation.
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