LLOYD Kelly has announced that he will depart Cherries at the expiry of his contract this summer.

It has long been speculated that former Cherries captain Kelly would be leaving the club at the end of his deal, with numerous reports linking the 25-year-old to clubs in England and abroad.

Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola all but confirmed Kelly’s departure following Cherries’ final Premier League game against Chelsea, with the defender going on to announce the news himself.

In a statement on his Instagram, Kelly wrote: “Five years ago, I became a Cherries player and stepped into the Premier League, something I wanted to achieve since the beginning of my career.

“A boy started this journey back in 2019 but now a man is closing this chapter with respect and the values that l hold close.

“Over the years myself and everyone involved with this club has been on a similar journey which has included a lot of happiness and success but on the other hand disappointment and that's part and parcel of this game.

“Being able to captain this team back into the Premier League will always be one the highlights of my time here.

“It was an honour to lead the boys out every week and be able to say at the end of that season ‘We done what we set out to do’.

“Fast forward to this season and achieving our highest points tally in the Premier League just shows how far we've progressed over the years.

“To everyone who I've worked with, players, coaches, staff, the board, physios and everyone who makes the club operate.

“I appreciate the love and support that you've given me through it all and the relationships formed I'll always be grateful for.

“To the fans, there has been a lot of speculation around my future at the club and I've left it in the background because I still had a job to do.

“One of the values I follow is to finish what you started, so I did that to the level l know it should be.

“I appreciate the support I had over the years and I wish everyone at AFC Bournemouth the best in the future.”

The defender has been heavily linked to a reunion with former Cherries boss Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.

Howe was the manager that brought Kelly to Vitality Stadium from Championship outfit Bristol City for a reported £13million.

In total, Kelly played 141 times for Cherries in a five-year spell.