Dan Bentley has thanked Bristol City fans for their ongoing support in a classy farewell message after completing his permanent move to Wolves.
The 29-year-old has joined the Premier League side for an undisclosed fee having entered the final six months of his contract. Bentley becomes the third notable departure during the January window following Ryley Towler's permanent switch to AFC Wimbledon and Stefan Bajic's loan to Valenciennes.
He made 143 appearances for the Robins over three-year-a-half years was named Player of the Year in 2021 and became club captain in the 2021/22 season. Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui was eager to add competition for Jose Sa in goal and wanted a player with experience.
Posting an open letter on social media, Bentley wrote: "Thank you to all the members of staff that have been part of my time at Bristol City and that have helped me along the way, the club is full of fantastic people and I wish everyone all the best.
"To the players that I have shared a dressing room with over the last three and a half years, it's been a pleasure to be part of the team and I hope you all have success going forward.
"To the fans, thank you for welcoming me and my family to your club and your city from day one. It was an honour and a privilege being your captain for the last 18 months and playing in front of you every week.
"Bristol will always be a second home to me, both my daughters were born there and my family and I always felt at home during my time at City. I wish the club, players, staff and fans every success in the future and I hope to see the club in the Premier League in the not too distant future."
Bentley joined City for £2million from Brentford in 2019 during a period when the club spent big in an attempt to mount a promotion push. Tomas Kalas, Nahki Wells, Han-Noah Massengo, Jay Dasilva and Kasey Palmer also arrived during that summer.
City were open to letting Bentley leave after entering the final six months of his contract with Stoke City also showing an interest. He was among the higher earners in the squad with a necessity to continue reducing the wage bill.
Towards the end of last season, Bentley suggested his representatives had begun talks over a potential contract extension but that deal has failed to materialise. He started the season as the club's No1 but was dropped in favour of O'Leary following a 3-0 defeat to Birmingham in October.
City are expected to move quickly to bring in a replacement with former Bodo/Glimt stopper Nikita Haikin an option.
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