Republic of Ireland player James McClean has recently disclosed the reason behind his decision to sign for League 2 side Wrexham after departing Wigan Athletic this week.
The Derry native clarified that he didn't align with the club's new ownership model, and consequently, they decided not to extend his tenure due to his age, being 32 years old.
McClean had previously rejoined Wigan Athletic in 2021 and had an impressive performance, being voted as their Player of the Season last year.
In response to the situation, the Ireland winger took to Instagram to share an emotional message, expressing his affection for the club and explaining his attempt to remain, but ultimately, the outcome was beyond his control.
View this post on Instagram
The full statement from McClean
In an Instagram post, James McClean began by expressing his unexpected feelings, stating, "This is a post to be honest I didn't envision I would be writing. I was committed to this club, and I couldn't have tried harder to show that. Throughout the summer, the talks about extending my contract here seemed positive, and I believed it would be the case."
However, just five days before the start of the season, when McClean was honored to be asked to captain and lead the club forward, he received the difficult news that a new deal would not happen Despite the disappointment, he acknowledged that such decisions are part of football and life, and he understood that the new ownership didn't owe him anything.
"Monday 5 days out from the start of the season, a season where I was honoured to be asked to captain and lead this club forward, I was then told that any new deal was not going to happen as unfortunately, I don’t fit the criteria of the new ownerships model as I am over the age of 32 to extend, which left me with the most difficult decision I have had to to make in this game but look that's football, that's life and the new ownership don’t owe me anything.
"I don’t want this to come across negative i just felt its important to explain why. This is a club i love and i wish this club all the success in the world," he added.
McClean also stated that club held a special place in his heart, particularly because his son became a devoted Wigan fan due to the influence of the club when he was old enough to understand football. He acknowledged that his time with Wigan had been eventful, with good, bad, and crazy moments, but the club and its people always stuck together and faced every challenge head-on.
"My son is football obsessed and Wigan is his first club that he was of an age to fully understand football and as a result of that he is now Wigan's biggest fan. The club will always hold a special place within my family.
"During my entire time wearing a Wigan jersey it is safe to say it's been eventful, but through the good moments, the bad moments and the crazy moments, the club and the people have stuck together through it all and met every challenge head on. You don't keep Wigan Athletic Football Club down for long - it's not in the DNA of this club.
Lastly, he extended his appreciation to the fans for their unwavering support, signing off with a heartfelt message, "Once a tic, always a tic."
A message from the man himself!
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/AqLQCwjW5E— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) August 4, 2023
