Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Ali al Habsi of Oman will not be returning to play for the Latics next season.
The Oman national team captain posted an emotional goodbye message on social media on Monday, confirming that he is leaving the club this summer.
The decision follows the former Premier League club's relegation from second-tier Championship to third-tier League One last week. Wigan last played in the Premier League in 2012-13, when it had also won the FA Cup, before dropping down to the Championship for two seasons.
Habsi pointed out in his message that he would make his next move public sometime in June.
Habsi, who is out of contract at the DW Stadium, will not be back for the new League One campaign starting in August.
The 33 year old Omani, who spent five years at Wigan, is believed to have mutually agreed with the Latics regarding his decision to leave the club.
Habsi posted on Instagram, “I guess it is time to say goodbye after a wonderful five years spend with #WAFC. I am proud that I participated in over 150 official matches, which consisted of 100 matches in the Premier League. A big thank you to the club and the fans for their continuous support and love. Without your support, we wouldn’t have won the FA Cup and I wouldn’t have won the best player of the season award in 2012.”
The experienced keeper also wrote, “Thank you to all the fans from my beloved country Oman and the Middle East. You have always cheered and encouraged me to move forward regardless of any obstacles I faced. I am pleased that you stood next to me throughout the 13 years I spend with different European clubs.
“I have had an exceptional experience playing in the strongest league, the Premier League, and I hope it will continue. Most of you really wish to know my next move, which I think will be clear in June.”
Habsi joined Wigan on loan in 2010-11 from Bolton Wanderers, becoming an integral part of the side that secured its Premier League status. Such was his impact that he won the club’s player of the season award and manager Roberto Martinez made a move to bring him to Wigan on a permanent deal.
Since relegation to the Championship, Habsi had been competing with Scott Carson for the No 1 jersey and struggled to cement a regular playing spot even as an injury began taking its toll. Habsi missed out on an on-pitch goodbye during the last game of the season at Brentford on Saturday, but he travelled with the squad and met Wigan fans to say goodbye after the game.
