Charlton Athletic winger Charlie Kirk has admitted to the South London Press that he was determined to see his old club Crewe Alexandra be well compensated after he completed his move to South London.
The exciting 23-year-old winger completed his move to the Valley this summer after Charlton triggered the £500,000 release clause in his Crewe contract and as a result he bid farewell to a club that he had been with since the start of his career.
In fact in the end Kirk left Gresty Road after making the best part of over 200 appearances for the Sky Bet League One side as he quickly became a favourite amongst the fans.
Speaking recently about his decision to leave the Railwaymen and link up with the Addicks, Kirk was quick to state the following:
"I said from the start that I wanted to give something back to Crewe.
"I didn't just want to leave and for them not to get anything for me.
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"I could have left at the end of this season. I could've gone for free, which I didn't want. They've been so good to me from the age of seven, so I wanted to give something back.
"So me going for a bit of money is good for Crewe. I feel like I've served my time well, handled my transfer well and gone with nothing but good intentions. I think everyone throughout the club can see that and hopefully has respect for me, just as I have respect for them."
Kirk has since made five appearances for Charlton and is yet to have racked up a goal or an assist for his new side as he settles into life in the capital.
The versatile winger has signed a four year contract with Nigel Adkins' side and is expected to provide a wealth of creativity and attacking threat for a Charlton team that has yet to really get going this term.
The Verdict
Charlton are yet to have seen the best from Kirk thus far and will be hoping that he begins to settle in better now after completing his move to the Valley.
A talented wide player, Kirk is capable of dropping into half spaces as much as he is at getting down the line and whipping in a cross and is a very tricky player for opposition defenders to mark.
As long as he is given the freedom to play his natural game under Adkins, Charlton will see that they have a good player on their hands.
Once things start to click all round for the team consistently, the Valley faithful will see the winger play his best football.