Andre Ayew has revealed he would have remained with Swansea City had they gained promotion into the Premier League.
The Ghanaian’s contract expires at the end of June. Although it is expected he would have been offered fresh terms had Steve Cooper’s side beaten Brentford in the Championship final in May.
However, the Bees emerged victorious at Wembley and condemned Swansea to another season in the second tier.
Ayew – who was the club’s top scorer in each of the last two seasons – was subsequently released by the Swans. You can see Swansea City’s retained list in full here.
And in an emotional farewell message to supporters on social media, Ayew said he would one day return to Swansea in some capacity due to his special bond with the club.
“Hi Jack Army. This is your boy Andre.” He said.
“I hate to say goodbye. Since the final, it was a difficult period for us, the players, for me personally, the whole team.
“I stayed quiet a little bit. I didn’t have anything to say.
“But I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me.
“Thank you so much for the support, thank you so much for the love. I’ve come to the club three times at different periods. And I’ve always succeeded thanks to you guys. And it’s something that I’ll never forget.
“I’m very proud to have worn this shirt with a lot of dignity. You guys made me always want to give 100%. I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss everyone.
“I want to thank the staff, the coach Steve Cooper, physios, cooks, everyone. I had a special feeling with the club.
“But it’s time to say goodbye. It’s not easy for me. I wish we would have gone up and I would have played again in the Prem with Swansea. But that’s football.
“I’ll be back. I don’t know if it’s as a player again or something, just to see you guys. I will be back, because it’s something which I have in my heart. I will never forget everything you guys have done for me.
“Thank you so much, and God bless you all.”
Ayew joined Swansea from Marseille in June 2015 before leaving to join West Ham United a year later.
However, he returned to Swansea in the 2018 January transfer window. But he spent the duration of the 2018/19 campaign on loan at Fenerbache after the Swans had been relegated from the top-flight.
He impressed in each of Swansea’s two seasons under Cooper, scoring 35 goals in all competitions after returning from Turkey two years ago.