“I’m a Town fan forever”- Departing Ipswich Town star Massimo Luongo has shared an emotional goodbye message with the club’s fans yesterday

The popular Australian midfielder, 32, is heading for pastures new this summer after being a key part of the side which earned back-to-back promotions from League One into the Premier League.

And, in a video shared by the club on social media, this lunchtime, an emotional Luongo said farewell.

Here’s his message in full…

“Hello Town fans, it’s Mass here.

“I just wanted to say a massive, massive thank you for the past two and a half years.

“You’ve helped me achieve a childhood dream of playing in the Premier League. We’ve had amazing moments together and I think I’m going to remember them for the rest of my life.

“I just want to say thank you. Thank you for accepting me as soon as I came to the club, thank you for accepting me when I came on loan when I was 18. Further down the line we’ve managed to achieve the ultimate goal of getting to the Premier League.

“Unfortunately this year we couldn’t stay in the Premier League, but this team has been incredible and you guys have been incredible the whole way.

“It means so much that I’ve been able to do this with you guys. I came here as a boy and I’ve left now as a man.

“And I’ve been able to deliver a job that I couldn’t deliver 12 years ago, and I’m here now, leaving as a Premier League player – and I have only you guys to thank, so thank you.

“To my wife and my two little kids, Maxi and Annie, I know you guys love it here, but we’ll create more memories together somewhere else – and we’ll always be watching Ipswich Town.

“Finally to my team-mates, to the coaching staff, and to the manager, I just want to say thank you.

“I’ve made friends that I will have for the rest of my life and we’ve created memories together which have been incredible.

“I have improved as a player more than I probably would have expected, coming here at such a late age.

“I completely understand where this club is going and the manager’s got to do the right thing for the club – and I believe that this club is going to one way, and that way is up.

“So, Town fans, stick by this team, stick by the club, as you always do, and I have every faith that this club will be back in the Premier League in a year’s time.

“So thank you very much. I’m a Town fan forever and I wish everyone all the best in the future.

“Thank you.”