Reading's Garath McCleary has opened up on his 2012 exit from Nottingham Forest, saying he 'didn't want to leave, but a lot of things went on'.

McCleary, 32, has been with Reading since leaving the City Ground in 2012. He's since gone on to make over 250 appearances for the club, becoming a firm favourite in the process.

But the Jamaican international started his Championship career at Forest. He signed from Bromley in 2008 and went on to make 123 appearances in five seasons, before turning down a new contract and signing for Reading.

In his penultimate season with Forest, the 2011/12 campaign, he scored nine Championship goals and was named Forest Supporters' Player of the Year.

During an Instagram Q&A last night, McCleary revealed that he didn't want to leave the club:

His Forest exit seemed premature after having such a good season for the club, and becoming such a favourite amongst fans. He's since done the same at Reading - he's proved a reliable Championship player over the past eight years, again becoming a hit amongst the fans.

Though his time at the club looks to be coming to an end. He started the season as an exile under Jose Gomes and hasn't looked the same since, and with his contract out in June, his future is up in the air.

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The verdict

A fine player on his day and one who could yet have a lot to offer at Championship level.

Often in football, transfers are down to money and the clubs, rather than the player, and it seems like that's the case with McCleary's Forest exit in 2012.

However, given his reaction at the end of this post, he clearly holds the club in high regard.