Conor Coady last night posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, after officially completing a loan move to Everton.
The England international will spend the 2022/23 season at Goodison Park, and the Toffees will then have an option to buy.
It is not currently clear how much that clause is worth.
The move has prompted feelings of shock in the football community.
Neutrals are perplexed at Wolves loaning out their captain – who has barely missed a game since his arrival at the club seven years ago – to a Premier League rival.
Ultimately, Bruno Lage’s decision to change to a back four has played a major part.
Coady is simply not seen as someone who fits, with Maximilian Kilman and Nathan Collins both stronger options.
Coady is desperate to make England’s World Cup squad to go to Qatar, and he’ll have a good chance of doing that with this move.
He will certainly play regularly, especially with Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey both sustaining long-term injuries.
Wolves are undoubtedly taking a major risk.
It remains to be seen if the decision will come back haunt the club.
It’s a superb move for Everton, who are getting an experienced player and world-class leader.
They have changed to a back three and in theory, Coady will make a seamless transition.
Coady sends message on Instagram, Gibbs-White and many others respond
Last night, Coady took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message after completing his move.
He wrote: “Where do I start, 7 of the best years I’ve got to share with you all, it’s been a journey that will live with me forever, from middle of the championship to walking the boys out in a European quarter final, this club has been mine and my family’s life and we will never forget it. Thank you to everyone who makes the club what it is and every player I shared the dressing room with! This club is special and always will be special. Thank you for everything, I’ll always be a wolf.”
Coady is a hugely popular figure in the game. And so, many of his Wolves teammates, non-Wolves players and ex-stars have commented.
Here are a few that have wished Coady well, with Morgan Gibbs-White summing up the feeling very well for many supporters at this moment in time:
Morgan Gibbs White – “BRB just crying.”
Yerson Mosquera – “Happy to share with a great person like you and a great player. Good Luck Legend.”
Fabio Silva – “What a player and what a person!! The best for you my friend!! You deserve everything.”
Louie Moulden – “All the best legend.”
Ruben Neves – Two tears emojis and two yellow heart emojis.”
Luke Cundle – Heart emoji and crying face emoji.
Barry Douglas – “End of an unbelievable era skip.”
Benik Afobe – “One of the best guys in football. All the best bro.”
Carl Ikeme – “Legend.”
Jermaine Jenas – “Well said pal, and congrats on the move.”
Tyrone Mings – Two tears emojis, two clapping emojis and two heart emojis.
Jay Spearing – “Unbelievable 7 year journey for you mate! Credit to yourself and the family.
John Terry – “Good Luck mate.”