Massimo Luongo believes Kieran McKenna will have Ipswich Town back in the Premier League next year (Image: Ross Halls)
Massimo Luongo believes Kieran McKenna will have Ipswich Town back in the Premier League next year (Image: Ross Halls)
Departing Ipswich Town star Massimo Luongo believes the Blues will be back in the Premier League in short order.
The popular Australian midfielder, a key part of the side which won historic back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, is leaving Suffolk this summer at the end of his contract.
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He recorded an emotional farewell message which was shared on Town's social media channels earlier this week, saying he understood the direction the club is going in.
Massimo Luongo was a key part of two Town promotions
Massimo Luongo was a key part of two Town promotions
(Image: Ross Halls) "To my team-mates, to the coaching staff, and to the manager, I just want to say thank you," Luongo said.
“I’ve made friends that I will have for the rest of my life and we’ve created memories together which have been incredible.
“I have improved as a player more than I probably would have expected, coming here at such a late age.
“I completely understand where this club is going and the manager’s got to do the right thing for the club – and I believe that this club is going to go one way, and that way is up.
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“So, Town fans, stick by this team, stick by the club, as you always do, and I have every faith that this club will be back in the Premier League in a year’s time.
“So thank you very much. I’m a Town fan forever and I wish everyone all the best in the future."
Luongo realised a childhood dream by playing in the Premier League
Luongo realised a childhood dream by playing in the Premier League
(Image: Ross Halls) The 32-year-old started the message by thanking the club's fans for helping him realise his childhood dream.
"I just wanted to say a massive, massive thank you for the past two and a half years," Luongo enthused.
“You’ve helped me achieve a childhood dream of playing in the Premier League. We’ve had amazing moments together and I think I’m going to remember them for the rest of my life.
READ MORE: 'I'm a Town fan forever' - Luongo's emotional farewell message to fans and team-mates
“I just want to say thank you. Thank you for accepting me as soon as I came to the club, thank you for accepting me when I came on loan when I was 18. Further down the line we’ve managed to achieve the ultimate goal of getting to the Premier League.
“Unfortunately this year we couldn’t stay in the Premier League, but this team has been incredible and you guys have been incredible the whole way.
“It means so much that I’ve been able to do this with you guys. I came here as a boy and I’ve left now as a man."
Luongo will always be a fan favourite at Town
Luongo will always be a fan favourite at Town (Image: Ross Halls)
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