Derby County have announced the departure of Colin Kazim-Richards following the expiration of his contract this summer. 

The 35-year-old has been with the Rams for two seasons after joining on a free from Pachuca in 2020.

The forward leaves Pride Park with 63 appearances and 12 goals under his belt in all competitions and despite missing some of last season due to injury, is a firm favourite at the club.

Despite his best efforts, Kazim-Richards and his side were unable to beat the drop to League One after starting the season with a points deduction.

However, the player is leaving with only good things to say as he took to Twitter to send a message to the fans that read: "To the supporters, it's been a rollercoaster through no fault of your own. I am very relieved and happy that you all still have your club to support, it's the very least you deserve you have been uplifting. As you all know there have been a few goodbyes for me over the years, yet only one or two departures have had the impact on me that leaving you all and some of the truly fantastic people I have worked with at this club will have on me.

"I want to send a heartfelt thank you to every supporter who stood for me and even the few who may not of. Despite my departure I believe I achieved more than anyone (except myself) believed I could during my time with you. None of it would of been possible without the help of some brilliantly wonderful people who I cannot leave without mentioning.

"The pitch and the stadium is where everything is celebrated, but the real work is done by the many wonderful people behind the scenes and back at the training center. People who don't often get a mention. People like Simon (maintenance) who helped with everything from the club to my home. Dr Amit Pannu and Dr Sandeep who both went over and beyond and looked after my family..Luke Dys Jon, Rhys Chris Nathan in the medical department you can all rest easy no more pressure for pre-training massages, you got me going time and time again Chris and Rhys with the last injury a extra special shout out...

"In the kitchen and canteen, Simon, Phil, Evie Philomina and Sue absolute stars. Vicky, Tina and Amy (laundry) our convos will last forever. Davo and Jon (kit men) absolute grafters. Thomo & the rest of the groundsmen. Georgina, Clare and Janette in the office. Tony Britton Safeguarding Jamie smith youth team recruitment there young people are in great hands. All the media department both Angela's Thankyou.. Adam Storer the club would be lost without you. Apologies to anyone I have missed you were all superb and are special people. Some in this game have short memories, not me I remember all!!!

"Player led accountability leads to championship standards is what means so much WE created that in the dressing room between us players, that now ill be in the DNA of the club. I am proud to say I am a part of that. Good luck for this season it will be tough but do we expect anything less. I will never forget the brilliant people and fans of Derby County football club. To the guys in the locker room, we know it was real.!!

"Thank you all Colin Kazim-Richards"

The Verdict: 

This is a very heartfelt goodbye message from Kazim-Richards to Derby County and their fans and one that perhaps sums up the club over the last couple of years.

With the problems going on upstairs in the club, the day to day staff and the players have kept the club ticking over and have clearly all bought into the project of doing what they could to keep the club alive which they succeeded in.

Although the forward was popular at Pride Park and put in a brilliant shift over the past couple of seasons, given his injury problems and the fact that the Rams are now targeting promotion straight back to the Championship, you can understand the reasoning behind this departure.

However, fans will no doubt continue to be grateful for his work with the club and he will continue to be spoken about positively.