Paul Mullin has admitted that he 'would have loved to stay with Cambridge United forever' after his departure was announced.
The U's announced his exit in a club statement on their website where club head coach Mark Bonner said: "We felt it was a really good offer from our side and the best we could offer. Regardless of where Paul ends up, he goes down in history for what he achieved for us last season and we wish him really well.
Reports from Football Insider have linked Middlesbrough with a move for the player, while Football League World exclusively revealed that Blackburn Rovers were also keen on a move for the play.
Taking to Twitter, Mullin said: "Thankyou to every single person connected to Cambridge United.
âIt was an absolute pleasure to play for your club. I would have loved to stay forever. We tried to work things out but ultimately we just couldnât.
âI owe a lot to the Gaffer, all his staff and especially my teammates, we achieved something that no one would have ever thought was possible!
âI will never forget celebrating with the fans on top of the roof after promotion! Have a stand named after me (although just for a few games) and breaking a goalscoring record or two!
âItâs a shame I never got to share it with the Amber Army more often!
"But until we meet againâ¦your club will always be in my heart.â
The verdict
These are very interesting comments from Paul Mullin.
The Cambridge United striker had a wonderful campaign last term and so it's no surprise that he's said to be attracting interest from the Championship.
Despite turning down a deal with the U's, the 26-year-old's comments that he'd have liked to stay forever seem slightly contradictory given that he was offered what the club deemed to be a generous offer.
But whatever the circumstances around his exit there's no doubt that Mullin will be remembered as a club favourite.