Town have confirmed that central defender Christophe Berra is leaving the club.

The 32-year-old is out of contract and has long been keen to return to Scotland to be closer to his young daughter. The Blues have decided not to take an option to keep the ex-Hearts and Wolves man for a further season to allow him to return home.

Speaking in September, Berra said: “I’ve had a great time down here and as I’ve said before my daughter is four and at some point I’d want to go back home. That’s obvious — all my family and friends are there.”

Speaking to the club site after confirming his departure, he added: “I really enjoyed my four years at Ipswich and I've only got good things to say about the club. I wish everyone there all the success in the future.”

Manager Mick McCarthy initially signed Berra for £2.3 million from Hearts when Wolves manager in 2009, then brought him to Portman Road on a free transfer in the summer of 2013.

“It’s a situation we have been aware of for some time,” McCarthy told the club site.

Town can confirm that Christophe Berra will be leaving the Club for personal reasons. We thank Christophe for his efforts in an #itfc shirt pic.twitter.com/DmwXv4cBNJ

— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) May 9, 2017

“He is not doing anything devious, he just wants to spend more time with his daughter and anyone with family can respect that.

“Christophe has been fantastic for us. He has been one of the best defenders in the Championship over the last four years and I didn’t want to lose him but I understand fully why he wants to go back closer to home and we wish him well.”

Speaking on Friday, he said that if football was the only issue he would have kept the 35-times-capped Scotland international at Portman Road.

#itfc's very own Braveheart is leaving Suffolk....

Here we remember his best bits in a Town shirt 🔵⚽️👏🏻

All the best, Christophe! pic.twitter.com/QNhQ2EtDpT– Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) May 9, 2017

“Yes, no question he’d be here,” he said. “As a defender, he’s one of the best I’ve worked with. Consistent, plays games, he’s quick, he’s good in the air. He’s just been a pretty much ever-present whenever he’s been fit.

“There was as spell he didn’t play at Wolves but I don’t know how many games he’s played under me, quite a lot I think, 300 maybe.”

He added: “He’s a really top defender, he’s been a really good servant to both clubs, certainly while I’ve been there, and he’s a good guy as well. He’s just a really top professional. I can’t speak highly enough of him actually.”

Berra's former club Hearts have been repeatedly linked over the last year, while Rangers, who were keen to sign him before he joined the Blues, were reported to be interested in January.

The Edinburgh-born defender made 184 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues, scoring 14 goals. He was named the Supporters Player of the Year in 2013/14, his first season at the club.

Photo: TWTD

Tractastic added 22:00 - May 9 'This news should have been made'
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TractorRoyNo1 added 22:13 - May 9 Top top defender in the Big Al style
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xrayspecs added 22:21 - May 9 Was a great signing and no one can question his commitment. Has been a real positive in recent years, I am glad the club have not taken up the option on his contract for two reasons. He clearly would rather be in Scotland and as a dad I get this. I also think his best years are behind him, for all his commitment he is not the player he was two seasons ago. So good for him and the club to part ways. Wishing you well Cristophe, on and off the pitch. Xrs

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warktheline added 22:37 - May 9 Played well for 3 seasons, but been found wanting over more recent times. All given reasons aside, not someone I'd want starting the new season! The point missed here by many, is the fact Berra made the decision not McCarthy! Worry times ahead, with a manager who can't see the woods for the trees! All the best CB!
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ITFCRealist added 23:07 - May 9 One less hoofer
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ITFCRealist added 23:08 - May 9 and will probably sign for Sunderland
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algarvefan added 01:41 - May 10 Top lad, sorry to see him go but understand his willingness to return home. Thank you for being a loyal and outstanding member of our squad.
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JCBLUE added 06:20 - May 10 Thank you Christophe and best wishes for the future.
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Bob7881 added 06:56 - May 10 Ok time to move on, can the owner or Milne please confirm if Michael McCarthy is staying at the club to see out final year of his contract surely not a difficult question to answer, no bullsh@t about complete backing etc simple yes or no will do.
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Warkys_Tash added 13:51 - May 11 Has been great player for us. However, against Lincoln (and other performances) he was shocking and played like that from the start of the season for me. Mind & Heart(s) elsewhere. We should have taken the option and then got a fee for him.
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