‘Gutted’: Reported Rangers and Crystal Palace target admits he’s leaving his club

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Lyle Taylor has confirmed to Sky Sports that his Charlton Athletic career is over amid speculation that he could join Rangers, Crystal Palace or Burnley on a free transfer.

The Addicks are already up against it as they look to escape the Championship relegation zone when the 2019/20 campaign resumes later this month.

And, just to make the mountain even steeper, Lee Bowyer and co will have to navigate a gruelling climb without their star striker.

Taylor is Charlton’s top scorer with 11 goals in just 22 league starts this season.

But his contract is also due to expire on July 1. And, as Bowyer told talkSPORT this week, the 30-year-old is unlikely to play any part in Charlton’s battle against the drop due to fears that a serious injury could scupper his chances of securing a ‘life-changing’ move.

Now, a man who has been linked with Rangers, Palace, Burnley, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough via TEAMtalk has had his say on a situation which has divided fans all over Britain.

“I’m gutted at the way it’s finishing, but I don’t expect people to care. I know that once the damage is done it’s irreparable and I don’t really expect any sympathy,” said Taylor, an outspoken and refreshingly honest character.

“My reasons and concerns stem from my knee injury – it plays on the mind. I’m not 26 or 27 – I’m 30 years old. The way I play, it puts me in positions that I could get seriously injured at any time.”

“It makes me think what would happen if I had an injury now that threatened the rest of my career. I’ll be honest with you, it scared the life out of me.

“That’s my honest reasoning. I know it won’t sit well with people but it’s been a very hard decision to make.”

The very definition of a ‘late-bloomer’, Taylor has spent much of his career in non-league and north of the border. He was only handed his big break in the summer of 2018, joining Charlton after a prolific spell at AFC Wimbledon.

Heading into the autumn of his career, he will never have a better chance to play Premier League or European football.

So while many a Charlton fan might accuse Taylor of turning his bag on the club who gave him a platform, it is easy to understand the decision he has come to from an outside perspective.