Christie hails fans as he bids his farewells
CYRUS Christie has issued a farewell message to Swansea City fans after his loan spell with the club came to an end.
The Republic of Ireland international joined Swansea from Fulham after Ethan Laird left to join Championship rivals Bournemouth in January.
He swiftly established himself as a key figure under Russell Martin and featured 23 times in the second half of the campaign, scoring three goals.
“It’s not how we wanted to end the season but it has been an absolute pleasure to represent @swansofficial this season,” Christie wrote on Twitter.
“Big thank you to everyone at this club that made me feel at home from day one, but most importantly the Jack Army, you showed me nothing but love from the start.”
Christie’s Fulham contract expires this summer, although it’s understood the Cottagers, who will be playing Premier League football next term, have the option to trigger a 12-month extension in his deal.
Martin is keen to keep the 29-yearold at Swansea, while he revealed that the right wing-back himself is eager to remain in South Wales.
Hannes Wolf has also bid farewell to Swansea – for the time being at least.
As things stand, Wolf is set to return to parent club Borussia Monchengladbach following a successful loan spell at the Swansea.com Stadium.
The 23-year-old made 18 appearances for Swansea, netting two goals and chalking up three assists.
His showings have earned praise from boss Martin, who has made little secret of his desire to bring the Austrian back to the club next term.
It remains to be seen what will happen next, particularly given that he has only 12 months left on his current deal.
It’s understood Gladbach have the option to extend that deal for another year, and there are clearly some discussions to be had over the summer.
For now, though, it seems like this is goodbye, with Wolf taking to Instagram to thank the club and fans.
“A very special club and I really enjoyed the last months here,” he wrote.
“Special thanks to my team, the coach and the fans.”
Meanwhile, Korey Smith says he was delighted to get the chance to say his goodbyes to Swansea supporters on Saturday.
His departure was confirmed ahead of the defeat to QPR, which he started from the bench. An injury to Joel Latibeaudiere in the second half meant he was able to come on for one last appearance, with Smith receiving a warm reception.
“I’m buzzing that I got to come on,” he said afterwards.
“I don’t like to see anybody get injured, but I really wanted to come on and say my goodbyes to the fans.
“I was proud to wear this shirt and I’m so pleased to have come here.
“To get to the play-off final in the first year and contribute and play a lot of games was amazing. And of course, to do the double over Cardiff – to be part of the team that made history for the club and fans, that was just a magical moment.”
Although set to depart, Smith fully intends to keep an eye on Swansea’s progress next season, adding that the club are in good hands under Martin.
“The way we play can take a lot of getting used to, but it will come good in the end, I’ve got no doubt about that,” he continued.
“You’ve got a brilliant gaffer and management staff here and obviously, you’ve got really good players.
“You have to be a bit patient, but I’ve got no doubt in the end (it’ll come good). Next year, I’ll be looking out for results and hopefully the boys can push on and get promotion.
“The team-mates, the staff – you’re in great hands with the gaffer and I’ll definitely be supporting from afar.”