Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton says it was the lure of full-time football that attracted Matthew Fitzpatrick to Linfield.
Fitzpatrick has signed a two-year deal with the Blues after both clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the striker's transfer.
The 28-year-old joined Glenavon from Coleraine in 2020 and last season scored 19 Premiership goals for the Lurgan Blues.
Read more: Linfield announce signing of Glenavon striker Matthew Fitzpatrick
Hamilton told the club’s website: “When we received a couple of bids for Fitzy we asked him what he wanted to do and he wanted to give full-time football a crack.
“We have to respect and understand that as much as it is difficult and frustrating as we didn’t want to lose him.
“He’s started playing soccer late in his career and after a couple of good seasons he’s looked at his situation. He’s in a privileged position as he is in a good job which lets him take five years out and, at the end of it, he can walk back into his role.
“I’m sure he would agree that he’s improved during his time with us but unfortunately we don’t have the full-time model to compete with those other clubs that do. We did speak to Fitzy about improving his contract but from his point of view he wanted to try full-time football.”
Hamilton added: “When we brought Fitzy in he didn’t cost us anything. He has more than paid us back in terms of performance and goals over the last two-and-a-half years.
“He has been a great lad. He’s shown Glenavon respect throughout the process and done things the right way. He’s been honest about what he’s wanted from day one and you can only respect him for that.
“He’s been outstanding to work with and has never caused us any bother. I want to thank him for everything he has done for us and I want to wish him well for the future.”
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