Antoine Semenyo admits he leaves Bristol City with a "heavy heart" after completing his move to Premier League Bournemouth.
Semenyo has signed a four-and-a-half year contract, with the option of an additional 12 months, at Vitality Stadium after the Cherries, managed by former City midfielder Gary O'Neil, were successful with their third approach of the window for the 23-year-old.
The deal is believed to be worth £9million up front with various appearance-based add-ons making it as agreeable a package for the Robins as is possible considering they didn’t receive any other proposals in the same ballpark and, with Semenyo out of contract in 18 months, there was a degree of pressure to sell in this window to receive maximum value.
It ends the forward’s time in the West Country as he first joined the club from SGS College in 2017 and developed into becoming a key player under Nigel Pearson and an international having represented Ghana at the World Cup in Qatar.
"To my dear friends at Bristol City," Semenyo wrote. "You believed in me from the beginning and that will not be forgotten.
"From a teenager to a young man, it has undoubtedly been an amazing and defining journey for me at your club. With a heavy heart, but with no regrets, I am moving on.
"I want to especially thank you, the supporters, my team-mates and the management for the trust, support and friendship that has always been shown to me. For that I will always be grateful.
"It’s no secret that I always wore my shirt with pride, motivated by everyone who holds City close to their heart. I will cherish these moments for life and carry these memories in my heart as I move on.
"Sincerely, I wish you all the best for the coming season and beyond. Antoine."
Semenyo has very much embodied the player pathway from academy to first-team that has been a pet project of Steve Lansdown who has desired to see more Bristol-raised players in the first-team squad.
Another success story from the academy, Alex Scott, himself a subject of intense speculation in this window, tweeted his own farewell message to his former teammate: "Been a pleasure [crying emoji], you deserve it more than anyone."
Striker Tommy Conway, who has also progressed through the age groups, posted: "Congrats on your move brother, what a journey it’s been. Going to miss you."
Technical director Brian Tinnion, who signed Semenyo to the academy from SGS College in 2017, tweeted: Proud of you Antoine, college football to the premier league. Now trust.
The 23-year-old leaves his first professional club with 21 goals in 125 games, including four in his last five games, plus 22 assists but that doesn't reveal the full extent of his impact and importance to Nigel Pearson's side.
The manager admitted on Thursday the club are working hard to bring in an additional attacking player before Tuesday's transfer deadline with growing confidence a deal for Luton Town's Harry Cornick can be completed, albeit not before Saturday's FA Cup clash with West Brom.
Semenyo's place in the starting XI for the fourth round tie is likely to be taken by another academy product in the form of Sam Bell who could now experience an enhanced role in the team over the second half of the season.
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