Striker, Billy Sharp has expressed “mixed emotions” about his departure from Sheffield United.
Earlier this week, Sheffield Utd confirmed that Sharp would be leave the club alongside Kyron Gordon, Jack O’Connell and Enda Stevens upon expiry of their contracts on 30 June.
For Sharp, this decision means that he will leave his “boyhood” club for a third time in his career as he “with a heavy heart” penned an open farewell letter to fans, in which he admitted that “my heart is filled with mixed emotions.”
He went on to describe how his “boyhood dream became a reality” and feeling “lucky” to have experienced everything from being a fan to ball boy then player plus captain throughout his career.
Sharp added that wearing the club’s red and white stripes brought “enormous pride” as did being handed the captaincy under Chris Wilder’s tenure as manager.
Sharp will leave Bramall Lane having scored 129 goals in 377 appearances across his three stints at the club, during which he helped the team to three separate promotions in his latest stint which has left him with “amazing memories” to take with him.
The 37 year-old proceeded to pay tribute to all the managers under who had played for during his time at Sheffield Utd, as he commented: “I want to thank all the managers I have played for during my time at the club. Your guidance, support and belief in me have been invaluable.
“You have helped me grow both as a player and as a person, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities you gave me.”
Sharp proceeded to praise staff and teammates for their support throughout his time at the club, as he added: “To all the staff from kit men/ladies, cooks and chefs, ticket office staff and groundsmen who have been at the club throughout the years, thank you for looking after me and all the players.
“To my teammates, I want to thank you for the special bond we shared on and off the pitch. The memories we created together will stay with me forever.”
Sharp meanwhile applauded the fans for showing “incredible support” through the bad and good times, as he described their “passion and loyalty” as “the heartbeat of this club.”
Directly addressing club supporters in regard to their love for the team, Sharp said: “Your love for the club is what makes it so special, and I will always be proud to have been a part of it.”
Sharp also wished the team well for their Premier League return next season, as he said: “I want to wish the club and players all the best for next season I’ll be watching on as a fan and will bring my kids to watch as much as I can.”
Looking ahead to the future, Sharp concluded: “As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I will always carry the memories, the lessons, and the love of this club with me.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to play for this great club, and I will always be a fan.”
Here is Sharp’s open letter to Sheffield Utd fans in full.
Dear Sheffield United,
As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is filled with mixed emotions. It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure.
My boyhood dream became a reality and what a journey I was lucky to have from a young fan on the Kop to ball boy then player and captain – wearing the famous number 10 has been privilege and an honour.
Wearing the red and white stripes was something I did with enormous pride and when given the captain’s armband by Chris Wilder it was something I cherished and wanted to achieve success wearing it. I’ve tried to play and captain the best I could.
To hear you all singing my name and for children to look up to me as their hero is the reason I play football.
377 games, 129 goals and 3 promotions, from my first goal to my last, the feeling grew stronger and stronger each time. I want to thank the club for all the amazing memories we’ve shared and for the opportunity to represent my boyhood club.
I want to thank all the managers I have played for during my time at the club. Your guidance, support and belief in me have been invaluable. You have helped me grow both as a player and as a person, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities you gave me.
To all the staff from kit men/ladies, cooks and chefs, ticket office staff and groundsmen who have been at the club throughout the years, thank you for looking after me and all the players.
To my teammates, I want to thank you for the special bond we shared on and off the pitch. The memories we created together will stay with me forever.
To my family, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your love and belief in me have been my driving force, and I could not have achieved what I have without you.
I am grateful for the sacrifices you have made to help me pursue my dreams. For my kids to be able to see their dad wear the Sheffield United shirt and score goals in League 1, Championship and Premier League is something we have all loved.
Lastly, I want to thank the fans for the incredible support over the years. Your passion and loyalty have been the heartbeat of this club. I will always remember the chants and the unwavering support you showed me and the team.
Your love for the club is what makes it so special, and I will always be proud to have been a part of it.
I want to wish the club and players all the best for next season I’ll be watching on as a fan and will bring my kids to watch as much as I can.
I want to wish the club and players all the best for next season I’ll be watching on as a fan and will bring my kids to watch as much as I can.
As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I will always carry the memories, the lessons, and the love of this club with me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to play for this great club, and I will always be a fan.
I could go on for hours talking about my special times with this football club but it’s goodbye for now…..
Your captain, Billy
Once a Blade, forever a Blade
UTB
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