Wednesday 10 May 2017 07:52, UK
Christophe Berra will leave Ipswich due to family reasons after the club agreed not to take up the option to extend his current deal.
The 32-year-old Scotland international expressed his desire to leave Portman Road in order to spend more time with his daughter.
Ipswich, who signed Berra from Wolves on a free transfer in 2013, could have triggered a clause in the defender's contract to tie Berra down for a further 12 months, but manager Mick McCarthy revealed the club have granted the player's wishes.
"It's a situation we have been aware of for some time," McCarthy told Ipswich's official website. "He is not doing anything devious, he just wants to spend more time with his daughter and anyone with family can respect that.
"Christophe has been fantastic for us. He has been one of the best defenders in the Championship over the last four years and I didn't want to lose him but I understand fully why he wants to go back closer to home and we wish him well."
Berra added: "I really enjoyed my four years at Ipswich and I've only got good things to say about the club. I wish everyone there all the success in the future."
