‘I’m so proud to have worn the armband’
FORMER Reading FC captain Liam Moore has released a statement to the fans after the club suffered relegation to League One.
Moore has had limited game time over the last two seasons due to injury issues and will now leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.
A statement, which was read out on BBC Radio Berkshire said: “Dear the Reading family, firstly I wanted to share my heartfelt disappointment on relegation. It’s gutting for everyone associated with the club and no more so than the most important people, the fans.
“A challenging time for everyone involved, but with every setback there’s an opportunity for a strong comeback and I hope that’s exactly what can happen on the first time of asking next season.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t contribute on the pitch this season and in hindsight my eagerness to be available as quickly as possible could have set me back and time ran away from me.
“The last year has been difficult as I believe I built up a great relationship with the fans. My efforts on the pitch were respected for years and for that to be lost instantly hurt me deeply.”
Moore was stripped of club captaincy in January 2022 and admitted that he was willing to depart the club to help with financial issues before he suffered a terrible battle with injury.
The statement continued: “Without going into great detail, I wanted to be open with you. There were discussions about me leaving the club in the January of last season.
“The discussions were a couple of months prior to the window opening with the team safely in mid table, but with FFP still heavily an issue.
“I’d been told on a number of occasions in the past that I was needed to be moved on for financial reasons.
“As captain I wanted to help where I could and the feeling in the meeting that freeing up my wages would do that.
“Unfortunately it played out very differently. That period was a downer in my Reading career, but the good memories by far outweigh it.
“I’ve met some incredible people at the club. Teammates, coaches and staff and you guys, the heartbeat, the fans.
“I was made to feel welcome the day I arrived and it’s been a pleasure to pull on the shirt and work alongside you guys. Reading is a community club that my family will be forever grateful for their treatment.
“Thank you to Jaap Stam for signing me, Paul Ince for the faith in me during my struggles, Noel Hunt, who has been a breath of fresh air since taking over and my teammates who have been there through everything.
“Lastly to the fans, thank you for your support. It’s been an honour to captain your club and no words can do it justice of how much it meant to me.
“I’m so proud to have worn the armband and engaged with many of you over the years. I hope you loyal Royals get the good times back.
“I will be rooting for you.”