Ross Barkley has hailed Luton as a “special football club” after having his long-expected transfer to Aston Villa confirmed.
The midfielder signed for the Hatters last August as a free agent in one of the shock moves of the summer, having played for Everton, Chelsea and Nice.
Barkley’s performances saw him quickly become a talisman for Town in their first-ever Premier League campaign.
The 30-year-old appeared to rediscover his love for the game after his spells in London and France and his rapport with the Hatters fans was rewarded as he scooped the fans’ end of season player of the year awards.
But Luton’s relegation back to the Championship meant it would be difficult to keep the midfielder at Kenilworth Road and, after the season ended, he was quickly linked with a £5million move to Aston Villa.
After the switch was confirmed, officially for an undisclosed fee, both Luton manager Rob Edwards and CEO Gary Sweet admitted Barkley left with the club’s best wishes as they couldn’t stand in his way of playing Champions League football.
In a message on his Instagram page, Barkley wrote: ‘I’m extremely grateful to Rob & his staff for believing in me & giving me the opportunity to play for such a special football club.
‘I can’t thank the fans enough for the support you have shown me. I’ll genuinely miss playing at the Kenny with that atmosphere you create!
‘I wish you all the very best in the future, fingers crossed you bounce straight back!’
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