Forward Darren Huckerby has paid tribute to Norwich City's supporters after parting company with the club.
The 32-year-old will not be getting a new contract with the Canaries after scoring 48 goals in 203 matches.
Huckerby has told BBC Radio Norfolk that his one regret about leaving was not having the chance to say goodbye to the Carrow Road faithful.
"Without them none of this would have been possible, they treated me like a son after two or three games."
Huckerby arrived at Carrow Road initially on loan Man City in September 2003.
He had such an impact that some supporters offered to donate money in order for the Canaries to sign him permanently.
After months of speculation he joined for £750,000 on Boxing Day 2003 and inspired Norwich to win promotion to the Premier League.
Huckerby has been a talisman for Canaries fans since and has twice been named the club's player of the year.
"It will mean nothing to play for another team against Norwich"
Norwich City manager Glenn Roeder had put all contract talks on hold until the Canaries had secured their Championship status.
But Huckerby has said he would rather have known his fate before the end of the season.
"I would like to have known a week or so ago so I could have said goodbye to the fans and the many people who have helped me be the player I am.
"In football that's how it works and there's no hard feelings," he added.
Huckerby's future could lie abroad as he has often been linked with playing in the MLS in America and he has revaled that he does not want to play against Norwich.
"It will mean nothing to play for another team against Norwich, it meant something everytime I put the shirt on.
"Those days will always be remembered forever."
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