Goalkeeper John Ruddy announces decision to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers

Goalkeeper John Ruddy has made the decision to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers after five years at the club.

Aside from his first season at Molineux, where he starred during the club's Championship promotion campaign, Ruddy has played second fiddle to either Rui Patricio or Jose Sa.

Ahead of his contract expiring this summer, head coach Bruno Lage had suggested that he wanted to retain the services of the 35-year-old.

However, despite a report in The Athletic saying that Ruddy was also keen to remain at Wolves, the veteran stopper will now move on to pastures new.

Writing on Instagram, Ruddy said: "So yesterday seems as though it will be my last appearance for Wolves. Thank you to the fans for your support through the highs and lows.

"Thank you to the backroom staff for all of your support and more importantly your friendships over the last five years. A huge thank you to every player that I was lucky enough to play and train alongside. I believe that a successful team is driven by the culture of its players, the culture we created over these years has enabled us to take this club to places no one thought possible.

"A changing room full of top players and men did that so I thank you for allowing me to share that journey.

"Most important of all thank you to my family, the sacrifice we have made over these five years has been difficult but would not be possible without your love and support, here's to the next challenge."

Ruddy made the last of his 72 appearances through coming on as a half-time substitute against Liverpool on Sunday, Wolves conceding two late goals to succumb to a 3-1 defeat at Anfield.