JEFFERSON Lerma says he will always have Cherries in his heart after the club announced he will be leaving at the end of his current deal.

It was announced earlier today that the 28-year-old will depart Vitality Stadium following five years on the south coast.

The club’s record signing in 2018 for £25 million from Spanish outfit Levante, speculation has surrounded Lerma all season in regard to his future.

Whilst Cherries offered the Colombian a new deal, the midfielder leaves in search of a new challenge.

His last appearance for the club, Sunday’s defeat to Everton, marked his 100th appearance in the Premier League.

In total, the former Levante man made 184 appearances for Cherries, scoring 12 times.

A 33-time international for Colombia, Lerma was named Daily Echo / Micky Cave AFC Bournemouth player of the year this campaign.

Speaking after the Everton game and translated from his native Spanish, Lerma exclusively told the Daily Echo: “Be it my last game or not, I feel a lot of gratitude to Bournemouth.

“It has been five very wonderful years.

“I have a huge love for them and wherever I go, I will carry them in my heart.

“They will always be with me.”

It is understood that Lerma has already agreed a deal with Cherries’ fellow Premier League side, Crystal Palace.

However, clubs based in England cannot officially agree pre-contracts with domestic players until two weeks after the season has ended.

The Colombian remained coy on his exact destination, sharing: “These rumours started a while ago, not only with Crystal Palace.

“In the last few days the rumours have gotten stronger, but at the moment I remain a free agent.

“I won’t respond due to my commitment to Bournemouth. Let’s wait and see what happens.”