Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that defender, Daniel Ayala will be released on 30 June 2023 upon expiry of his contract.
Ayala joined Rovers on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in September 2020 and has scored four goals in 58 appearances.
The Spaniard though endured a series of injuries throughout his time at Ewood Park, including a hamstring injury which kept him out for much of Blackburn’s run-in from late February although he returned for their dramatic final-day win at Millwall as a substitute.
“It’s a bitter-sweet moment really,” commented Ayala as he reflected upon his three-season stint at Blackburn.
Ayala though admitted that he wished to remain with the club, as he continued: “I’ve been really happy here for the last three years and part of me wanted to stay, because it’s a great club, with great fans and great staff, but I know that it’s part of football and I have to move on.
“I’ve had some really happy times here, but also some down moments as well, especially with a few injuries, which prevented me from playing as many games as I wanted and perhaps showing a bit more what I can do.”
Having missed out on the play-offs in the last two seasons with Blackburn, Ayala described those experiences as “really frustrating,” but iterated that the team has enough quality to eventually get into the play-off spots.
Ayala nevertheless is confident that Blackburn can continue to progress as he concluded: “For one reason or another we just fell short, but the club is in a great position to challenge again, with a great manager, a great group of players and real togetherness, and I firmly believe that they can get there.”
Blackburn meanwhile issued a short statement on their decision to release Ayala, in which they said: ‘Rovers would like to thank Daniel for his professionalism, his leadership and his contribution over the past three seasons and we wish him and his family well for the future.’