Martin Kelly has confirmed he will be leaving Crystal Palace this summer after eight years at the club. In an emotional post on Instagram, he thanked the club – and both Dwight Gayle and Joachim Andersen responded.
Kelly, 32, joined Palace back in the summer of 2014 from Liverpool. A one-time England international, Kelly has clocked up 148 appearances for the Eagles. This season, he has only managed one senior outing for Palace.
Patrick Vieira often included him in the squad, but he was an unused sub in 29 of Palace’s 38 Premier League matches. His £25,000-a-week (Spotrac) deal comes to an end on June 30, and a new deal was always looking unlikely.
Now, the defender has taken to Instagram to confirm he will be departing Palace when his contract expires. He tells fans that they are in a very strong position under Patrick Vieira, and is excited for the London club’s future.
Kelly confirms Palace exit: Gayle and Andersen respond
Kelly has been a loyal servant to Palace. To post such a touching and heartfelt message to the club and its supporters, after being used only once this season, shows the attitude of the player. He commands respect.
Clearly well-liked at Palace, the defender will surely generate interest from the Championship in the coming weeks and months. Perhaps a move north of the border could also be on the cards for the versatile defender.
Andersen, who arguably pushed Kelly further down the pecking order, and Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle – who is also likely to go – responded.
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