‘The best part of my life’: Portsmouth favourite’s emotional Ipswich Town tribute as he departs Championship rivals
Conor Chaplin is looking for a new club this summer, as his five-year stay at Portman Road comes to a close.
Conor Chaplin cherished his Ipswich Town stay as the highlight of his life as he departed Portman Road.
And the huge Pompey favourite promised his two children would grow up Tractor Boys fans, following his seminal impact in back-to-back promotions with the Suffolk club.
Chaplin on Ipswich: ‘It’s been a ride, the best part of my life’
Chaplin’s Ipswich exit after five years was confirmed today, as they opted not to take up a 12-month option on the 29-year-old’s deal - making him a free agent this summer.
That follows on from a season on loan at Fratton Park, with a huge fanfare afforded the attacker’s capture last summer.
Chaplin’s stay didn’t have the impact hoped for at PO4, but he leaves Ipswich an icon after 55 goals in 174 games - powering a return to the Premier League after a quarter of a century.
Speaking in an emotional video today, the academy told of how his Ipswich stay gave him the best moments of his life.
Chaplin told Ipswich’s X page: ‘It’s been a ride, the best part of my life as of yet at this football club, in this town, in this county.
‘But all good things must come to an end and I’ve got nothing but gratitude and thanks for everything I’ve experienced here.
‘Personally and football-wise I’ve got a lot of thanks for a lot of people.
‘Probably first and foremost Mark (Ashton) and the boss (Kieran McKenna), who’ve done an awful lot for me, giving me a lot of trust and helped me in enormous amounts.
‘So the first thanks is to them and to all my team mates, coaching staff thank you so much for giving everything everyday.
‘We’ve made a big mark on this football club. I know I didn’t have loads to play, but I’m so glad that even now it’s a Premier League football club.’
Chaplin’s two sons were born during his Ipswich stay after he moved to the club from Barnsley in 2021, with his allegiances to the club clear after building such strong ties in a ‘dream’ stay.
He added: ‘It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, a dream I’ve lived out playing in the Premier League and having children in the hospital in the town.
‘So you’ve got two Tractor Boys for life, I will definitely be here for the rest of my life taking them up the A12 to watch Town.
‘They will be one of you eventually when they’re old enough, so for my part I just want to say a big thank you to everyone - especially yourselves on the terraces.
‘You’ve made my dreams come true and you’ve given me everything. In turn, I’d like to think you’ve seen me give absolutely everything for this football club on and off the pitch.
‘I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it and I wouldn’t change a single thing - so thank you all very much, I love you all very dearly and hope to see you soon.’