JAIDON Anthony has wished close friend Jordan Zemura “all the best” at Udinese, adding: “Without him, I don’t think I’d be in this position.”

Zemura’s pending departure from Cherries was announced last week, with Serie A club Udinese confirming they would be signing the left-back for free this summer when his contract expires.

Cherries are still yet to officially announce anything themselves, after what has been a complete breakdown in communication between club and player.

The Daily Echo understands Zemura and his representatives did not respond to Cherries’ final contract offer for the 23-year-old, which was made a couple of months ago.

Things came to a head last week, when Udinese informed Cherries they were intending to speak to their defender about signing him.

As such, Zemura, who had already been dropped from recent matchday squads, was banished from first-team training and sent to work with the development squad.

Then, without prior warning given to Cherries, Udinese announced a deal had been reached.

Zemura joined Cherries from Charlton Athletic in 2019, forging a close relationship with fellow Londoner Anthony, both on and off the pitch.

The pair shone down the left flank together as Cherries clinched promotion out of the Championship last season, and are also still housemates.

Discussing the announcement of Zemura’s departure to Italy, Anthony told the Daily Echo: “He’s a great guy.

“When I speak about him I’m smiling because without him, I don’t think I’d be in this position.

“I wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Anthony himself was also set to be out of contract this summer, but penned a new long-term deal in February.

The 23-year-old made his 83rd appearance for the club in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, while Zemura looks set to depart with 61 appearances to his name.