James McArthur to leave Crystal Palace this summer
James McArthur will leave Crystal Palace at the end of his contract this summer.
The 35-year-old has made 252 appearances for the club since signing from Wigan in 2014.
McArthur has played more than 19,000 minutes for the Eagles, scoring 19 times and recording 23 assists during his nine years at the club.
His season has been disrupted by injuries, only making three appearances, all as a late substitute, this campaign.
The Scottish midfielder will leave Selhurst Park as the current squad’s third longest-serving player, with only Joel Ward and Wilfried Zaha spending longer with the South Londoners.
Chairman Steve Parish said: “James has been a mainstay of the side for the best part of a decade, and has never given less than 100% when pulling on the shirt – his tenacity and energy has unquestionably had a huge impact on us retaining our Premier League status for that record period of time.
“An absolute stand-out professional, on and off the pitch, James’ leadership and character will be hard to replace. I’d like to personally thank him for his contribution to the club; and wish him and his family nothing but the very best for the future. We look forward to one day welcoming him back; he will always be welcome at Selhurst Park.”
McArthur said: “If you’d have told me when I first came to Crystal Palace that I’d be here for nine seasons, I’d have found it hard to believe, because it’s rare in football to spend so long at such an amazing Premier League club.
“I would like to thank everyone: all my managers, the Chairman, [Sporting Director] Dougie Freedman, and the players present and past. I’ve had a journey with so many people here over the years.
“I also want to say a massive thank you to every one of the fans. The support that I’ve had personally, and the support that they give the team, is like at no other club. When times are tough, Palace fans really get behind the team, and that’s so important to all of us. I will always be a fan of the club.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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