Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand is to leave the south-coast club at the end of the season. The defender has penned an emotional letter to the club’s fans following the confirmation of his impending exit.
Bertrand joined Southampton on a permanent deal from former club Chelsea in February 2016 having spent the previous six months on loan with the Saints.
Ryan Bertrand to Leave Southampton at the end of the Season
The Defender Has Enjoyed a Six-Year Spell at the Club
Bertrand joined Southampton from Chelsea – initially on loan – as an established Premier League player. Additionally, he played a key role in the Blues’ Champions League triumph in 2012, starting the final as Roberto Di Matteo’s side defeated Bayern Munich at the Bundesliga club’s own ground.
In the time since leaving Chelsea for Southampton, Bertrand enhanced his reputation even further and went on to add 17 England caps to the two he won while at his former club.
Although he failed to win any silverware at Southampton, Bertrand was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2015/16 after the Saints recorded a sixth-placed finish in the table – the club’s highest-ever Premier League position.
Additionally, Bertrand helped Southampton reach the Carabao Cup final in 2017, where they were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United in a pulsating game at Wembley Stadium.
Bertrand Pens Letter to Saints Fans
In his departure letter to Southampton supporters, Bertrand clarified that his decision to leave had only been made in the last 48 hours, and rubbished the suggestion that he has already agreed any previous offers, either from the club or elsewhere.
The defender also thanked the fans for the welcome they gave him when he moved to the club in 2015.
To date, Bertrand has made 240 appearances for the Saints in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering a further 20 assists.
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