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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Jesse Lingard criticised after Instagram farewell to Nottingham Forest

A number of football fans have criticised Jesse Lingard after he took to Instagram to bid farewell to his time at the City Ground.

Less than a year after the former Manchester United attacking midfielder joined the 2022 Championship play-off final winners on a free transfer, Forest, last week, made the decision to release him after just one season on the banks of the Trent. He rejected a return to West Ham United in favour of joining the newly promoted club last summer.

However, his time in the Midlands failed to work out at as he made just 20 appearances in all competitions for Steve Cooper's side. He started the campaign as a regular fixture in the team before losing his place as Forest started to adapt to life back in the Premier League.

He played just 60 minutes worth of Premier League football between New Year's Day and the end of the Premier League campaign, chalking up those minutes over just three appearances. He scored just two goals in Forest colours, both of which came in the Carabao Cup.

READ MORE: United change pre-season plans following FA Cup final defeat

Addressing his exit from the City Ground, Lingard posted on his Instagram page: "Thank you to everybody at @officialnffc, from the fans to all the backroom staff and, of course, the players. [It's] been a rollercoaster journey but we stuck together through thick and thin and achieved our goal. It's been a pleasure."

Though some Forest supporters wished Lingard all the very best in his next chapter and thanked him for his efforts during his short spell at the club, others took the opportunity to criticise him. He failed to live up to expectations at the City Ground and some made their feelings towards him known.

One Forest supporter said: "Zero goals in the league."

Another fan commented: "Bro didn't contribute anything."

Another fan remarked: "Looking forward to the six second video of you dancing as your season's highlights reel."

Another added: "Bro, you stole a living."

One supporter joked: "Your agent is unreal!"

Another said: "Been a pleasure, not playing and taking loads of money?"

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