Callum O'Dowda has penned a farewell message to Bristol City supporters, confirming his departure from the club after six years.
The Robins announced the left-winger would be departing Ashton Gate following the expiration of his contract at the end of June having opted against activating the one-year option in his deal.
City were believed to be considering offering the 27-year-old a new contract at a reduced rate before manager Nigel Pearson admitted a fresh start in his career was best suited for both parties.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, the manager said: "It’s just time for a change. I think Callum has been here for six years. He goes with our best wishes. He is a really good lad, but it’s time for change. It’s time for a shift in a different direction, it’s as simple as that."
O'Dowda had remained silent in regards to his exit until now and he has taken to Instagram to write a short message ahead of his next move.
It read: "My time at Bristol City has come to an end and I am so thankful I was able to represent this club.
"I want to thank all the players, staff and above all the fans for their continued support over the last 6 years. I will always have such respect and admiration for this football club. All the best, Callum."
His City teammates including Andi Weimann, Alex Scott, Jay Da Silva, George Tanner, Antoine Semenyo, Ryley Towler, Andy King and Tommy Conway all flooded his comments wishing him the best for the future.
O'Dowda has not been short of transfer interest since news of his imminent departure with Bristol Live reporting seven Championship clubs were looking at the Republic of Ireland international's signature.
Severnside rivals Cardiff City remain one of those clubs and O'Dowda could follow in the footsteps of Marlon Pack, Bobby Reid and Lee Tomlin by making the short trip across the M4 to make the switch. The winger is settled in the area and therefore a deal would make sense from a geographical perspective.
He fell out of favour under Pearson in the second half of last season, having made 16 league starts throughout the course of the campaign. His last appearance came in a 19-minute cameo against Reading when he was forced off injured during City's 2-1 victory.
His last start was in the 3-1 defeat away at Blackpool in which he was taken off at half-time on February 5, in which Pearson criticised certain individuals in the side for making the same errors. From then on, it felt as though the writing was on the wall for O'Dowda.
Despite struggling for form last season, he is seen as an attractive acquisition for clubs with 155 Championship appearances under his belt. His versatility on the left side of the field where he can play as a left-back or in a more advanced position is also another string to his bow.
Meanwhile, City are also close to getting Kasey Palmer off their wage bill with the attacking midfielder closing in on a move to Coventry City. The former Chelsea prospect is one of the top earners at the club and despite a year still left on his deal, City are expected to let him leave for nothing.
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