Ghana defender Jeffrey Schlupp bids emotional farewell to Crystal Palace

Photo Credit - Crystal Palace Football Club.

After eight incredible years at Crystal Palace, Ghana defender Jeffrey Schlupp has bid an emotional farewell to the Premier League club.

Schlupp, who has played as a left-back, central midfielder, left winger or forward in his career, and is a product of the Leicester City academy, and spent the last season on loan at Scottish giants Celtic, will be out of contract at Palace from June 1.

“It's been an incredible eight years playing for this club. I've met some great people, the chairman, the gaffer, and all the staff I've met over the years, and it's meant a lot to have played for Crystal Palace,” said Schlupp.

"A big 'thank you' to this group, who have achieved something so special [winning the FA Cup]. You ask anybody about the Palace fans, and they know about the atmosphere that they create, and the amount of times they've pulled us through in difficult times.

"They have been our 12th man - so thank you to all the fans who have always supported me. Hopefully, I've done you proud. I'll definitely see you again soon.”

Four days ago, Palace confirmed that Schlupp will leave the club this summer after making 247 appearances since moving to South London from Leicester City in January 2017.

During his stay in South London, Schlupp scored 19 times, including the opener in the famous 3-2 win at Manchester City in 2018; a second-half winner against Bournemouth in 2019; a goal within a minute of coming on against Leicester City in 2021; a Premier League Goal of the Month contender against Manchester United in February 2023; and that stunning equaliser against Fulham at Craven Cottage in 2024. He also recorded 17 assists.

In August 2023, Schlupp made his 200th appearance for the club. With 220 Premier League appearances for Palace to his name, he made the fourth-highest number of appearances in the competition.