Ipswich Town confirm departure of double promotion-winning captain Sam Morsy to Kuwait SC
Ipswich Town have confirmed the departure of their back-to-back promotion-winning captain Sam Morsy.
Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna revealed at the weekend that his skipper was in advanced discussions to leave the club that he joined from Middlesbrough in 2021.
And that move has now been rubber stamped, with Morsy agreeing to join Kuwait SC in the Middle East.
The 33-year-old leaves Portman Road having been a central figure in the club’s recent rise, skippering the team to a double promotion and a return to the Premier League for the first time in almost 25 years.
He made a total of 165 appearances in a Town shirt, scoring 11 goals in the process.
In an open letter posted on the club’s website, Morsy wrote: “Town fans, where do I even start? As I get closer to the end of my career I knew this time would come, but I didn’t expect it this summer.
“Undoubtedly this has been the best spell of my career and life. I came to the club in 2021 in a challenging place mentally, with lots going on, and I think that showed in my performances during my first few months here. But you never gave up on me and supported me unconditionally, showing me so much love. Me and my family will always be grateful for that.
“We finished mid-table at the end of my first season but I will never forget how fans were still with the team and were so positive because you could all see the journey we were on. From there I knew we would do something special together.
“I’ve been so proud to lead this club and experience some incredible days and nights. Barnsley away, Exeter at home, Watford away, Coventry away and Huddersfield at home. So many more. These are games which will stick with me for a lifetime.
“Nobody could have predicted back-to-back promotions but I will never forget the feeling of seeing our success bring a whole town and county together. I’m so grateful to have experienced that.
“Then, playing at the top-level, Tottenham away was historic for us after so long out of the Premier League and we put in some outstanding performances. I’ll always think of Manchester United and now world champions Chelsea at home, showing on occasions we belong at that level.
“The club has given me everything and I must thank Paul Cook for bringing me to the club and of course Kieran McKenna, who changed the trajectory of all of our careers. Thank you Kieran for enabling me play in the Premier League, and more importantly making me fall in love with football again. I will always be indebted to you.
“Hearing my chant being sung by the terraces made me feel superhuman. It always gave me an extra lift and I hope you take to my replacement like you did to me, giving them this type of energy.
“I have been speaking to the club this summer, knowing and feeling I have so much to offer, but we couldn’t find an agreement. That’s no fault of either party, it’s just football, and myself and the club have parted on good terms after everything we have achieved together.
“The manager will always be a mentor of mine and someone I am extremely grateful to, and my team-mates are a special group with whom I will always share a bond. Thank you to everyone who sacrificed so much and pushed through all the boundaries in the pursuit of success. To a special group of men who achieved a special accomplishment – you will all forever be in my heart.
“So all that’s left is to say a huge thank you to the fans and thank you to my team-mates, the manager, his coaching staff and everyone at the training ground, who have all put up with me for the last few years.
“We made history and I’m confident the club will continue to do so. Look after yourselves and keep Running Towards Adversity. All the best, Skip.”