One of the most successful partnerships in the history of US sports has come to an end after quarterback Tom Brady announced he is leaving the New England Patriots after a 20-year spell with the team, which saw him win six Super Bowls.
The 42-year-old became a free agent on Monday and was free to talk to other teams. A day later Brady posted a heartfelt statement waving goodbye to the NFL side.
‘To all my team-mates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK and the Kraft family and the entire organisation,’ Brady posted on Twitter in a statement titled “FOREVER A PATRIOT”.
‘I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values.
‘I am grateful for all that you have taught me – I have learned from everyone. You have allowed me to maximise my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for.
‘Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever.
‘I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefitted from all you have given me.
‘I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that.
‘Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful to our incredible TEAM accomplishments.
‘I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and everyone of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.’ In a further statement aimed at New England Patriots fans, titled “LOVE YOU PATS NATION”, Brady added:
‘I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters. ‘MA has been my home for twenty years.
“It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England.
‘The support has been overwhelming – I wish every player could experience it. My children were born and raised here and you always embraced this California kid as your own.
‘I love your commitment and loyalty to your teams and winning for our city means more than you will ever know. ‘I can’t thank you enough for the support of our team.
“The packed training camps and sold out stadiums and mostly the victory parades. I have been so blessed to share them with you all.
‘I tried to represent us always in the best and most honourable way, and I fought hard with my team-mates to help bring victory and triumph even in the most dire situations.
‘You opened your heart to me, and I opened my heart to you. And Pats Nation will always be a part of me.
‘I don’t know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career.
‘I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I will always love you and what we have shared – a lifetime full of fun memories.’
