Midfielder, Josh Brownhill has left Burnley after five-and-a-half years at Turf Moor.
Brownhill joined the Clarets in January 2020 from Bristol City and has since scored 32 goals in 211 appearances during which Burnley suffered two relegations and promotions between Premier League and Championship.
Last season saw Brownhill enjoy his best season with 18 goals and six assists as Burnley won promotion from the second-tier, with his first-half brace against Sheffield United on Easter Monday having clinched the Clarets promotion, although they missed out on the title to Leeds on goal difference.
The 29-year-old was out of contract on 30 June but after extensive discussions with Burnley, Brownhill decided to leave Turf Moor in what he described as an “unbelievably difficult decision” but “the right time” as he penned an open statement on his social media channels.
“After five-and-a-half incredible years at this fantastic club, I’ve come to the unbelievably difficult decision that now is the right time for me to start the next part of my journey in football.
“Burnley is a place that has allowed me to develop, grow and build friends for the rest of my life – not just on the pitch, but within the fantastic community as well. The memories I’ve created during my time at the club have been amazing.
“My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further and continue to grow as a person and a professional. I feel that a new project at this point in my career simply allows me to do that.”
Brownhill proceeded to thank all the managers, coaches, staff and teammates throughout his time at the club for their support, with particular acknowledgement to manager, Scott Parker and owner, Alan Pace for their support in his decision to leave for a fresh challenge.
“To all the managers, coaches, staff and teammates I’ve had the honour of working with – thank you!
“I also want to say a big thank you to Scott Parker and Alan Pace who have been supportive of my decision and who I will always have the highest respect for.”
The midfielder also praised fans for their unity and hard work to afford travel to away matches and spoke of the honour at having captained the club during his time in Lancashire.
“To the fans, I really want you to know that I understand and value what Burnley is to its people and will be forever grateful to you all. From watching the community coming together through Covid and seeing how hard you all work to be able to travel around the country supporting your team.
“To wear the captain’s armband for this club was a real honour and something I felt privileged to do every day. From big goals in critical moments, trying to drive high standards every day and displaying the values of the community through my work on the pitch – I hope you can see as fans that I have always given my all for this great club and all it stands for.
“Lastly, it really felt like the perfect way to sign off my time at Burnley, by scoring two goals in my last game at Turf Moor, while captaining and being promoted into the Premier League with 100 points for a second time.”
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