BLUEBIRDS' LEGEND JOE SAYS THANK YOU TO FANS AS HE EXITS

DEPARTING Cardiff City captain Joe Ralls has told fans to be “excited” by the project new manager Brian Barry-Murphy is building at the club in an emotional statement to Bluebirds fans.

- GLEN WILLIAMS Sports reporter

In a heartfelt message shared with fans, Ralls confirmed he would depart upon the expiry of his contract this month, describing his time at the club as “beyond my wildest imagination” and thanking supporters for their unwavering backing through “the good times and the bad”.

“It's incredibly hard to find the words,” the 31-year-old midfielder wrote. “But the time has come for me to move on and for the club to go in a new direction.”

Ralls joined Cardiff as a teenager in 2010 and went on to make 409 senior appearances in a one-club career - save a loan spell to Yeovil Town - that has spanned promotions, Premier League campaigns and several testing seasons in the Championship.

However, it's time for something new, with new head coach Barry-Murphy having a clear idea in his mind what he needs to bring his vision for Cardiff City to life on the pitch.

Ralls, in typically classy fashion, thanked the new Bluebirds boss for his candour and believes there are good times ahead for City fans under his leadership.

“I'd like to thank our new head coach, Brian Barry-Murphy, for being completely honest with me,” Ralls said.

“That's all I can ask for as a player and after our conversation I'm really excited about the future of this football club and wish him and his team the best of luck for the upcoming season.”

He captained the side over the past three years and has long been regarded as one of the club's most consistent and committed figures.