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

marco007 added 13:33 - May 9 There really does not appear to be any real plan for this club and it is all so reactive. There is no footballing philosophy throughout the age groups which results in players not fitting into MM's "system" when they move into the first team. Transfers are done on the cheap and are based upon freebies, released players or quite clearly if they are deemed surplus by stronger sides. Our best players this season have been loanees and now we are getting rid of our best defender! Learn a lesson from them up the road as at least Norwich have a structured plan. I fear for next year :(

1

TractorBeezer added 13:40 - May 9 Thanks for your service Christophe. I wish you and your family well.
2

dirtydingusmagee added 14:05 - May 9 good luck to him ,hasn't been his best season ,but he is not alone in that respect, he has been a good servant for club , I wish him well in the future .
3

jaykay added 14:20 - May 9 one in a line of many great scotsman who have worn the blue of the town
2

jaykay added 14:20 - May 9 one in a line of many great scotsman who have worn the blue of the town
2

Brownie added 14:36 - May 9 Good player who always gave 100%. Best of luck in the future big man!
3

tractorboybig added 15:07 - May 9 Thanks but past his best, well off loaded, pity chambers didn't follow.
3

yorksblue added 16:10 - May 9 Sadly, Smith isn't the answer to our problems though. Too slow and clumsy.
0

therein61 added 16:44 - May 9 Many thanks for your wholehearted performances in a Town shirt Christophe I wish you and all your family the very best in the future, you will be able to sleep at night now that you are free of mopping up mistakes and getting rid of hospital balls from a so called premiership class midfielder!
3

NBVJohn added 16:45 - May 9 There's a really interesting article in the Times today that is highly critical of the way Venky's have treated Blackburn Rovers. Sadly, there are many comparisons that can be drawn with ITFC such as distant/absent owners treating supporters as consumers, and a lack of decent communication and liaison with the community. It's worth reading, if a little like a prophecy. Berra has been a decent player for us, and it appears that he has been honest about his future. Good luck, and thank you. On the plus side that's a decent wage freed up for re-investment into a player we have at least heard of. Go sort Mr Milne.

2

blueboy1981 added 16:57 - May 9 ........ not leaving too much behind, which possibly made the decision easier for him. Good Luck to him - doubt if he will miss the Manager too much. McCarthy style means the Defence is always under the cosh anyway - so wherever he goes the pressure couldn't be much worse than it has been.
4

therein61 added 18:20 - May 9 As long as Skuse doesn't go to the same club blueboy1981!!!!!!!!
3

dukey44 added 18:36 - May 9 Sorry but never been that impressed with him? Cya Scottish football probably best suits him!!
-2

cat added 18:41 - May 9 Blood and guts! no nonsense defender, 'has been' a useful free addition. There's not a shadow of doubt in my mind though that this suits all parties. Would ideally love to see Webster and Taylor in a back 4 next season, those calling for the most negative of formations, which is 3 CB'S are pretty much calling for more of the same as last February/March!!! Bore draws, maybe snatch a winner! (yawn). With Berra and Digby departing, I would expect at least 1 maybe 2 new additions, subject to Taylor's fitness of course, though I would expect there major role at the club would be none other than 'Captain Chambers' very own boot cleaner!!!'

1

FromIpswichToPhoenix added 18:42 - May 9 You can never find fault with someone who puts their family and especially children first. Dad first, everything else is secondary. You've been great for this club. Thank you for your service and best of luck with your future endeavors.
2

welshtractorboy added 19:00 - May 9 At Forest Sunday we all had an idea it maybe his last game Why did MM not make him captain as a tribute ? Oh why think we all know why it makes sense !!!!!
3

Churchman75 added 19:02 - May 9 A bigger loss than the club appreciates
1

Seasider added 19:24 - May 9 I echo all the positive comments on here about Christophe Berra. It shows how good he has been,when the comments are almost 100% positive. I think he is wise to make the move now.Yes he will be with his family which takes precedence over everything;but he will prolong his career as Scottish football is a lower standard
4

chepstowblue added 19:38 - May 9 Been fabulous for us. Probably had more suspect games this season than the previous 3 seasons put together so without doubt the right time. Must be said id have been happy to have seen him for another season though. Good luck for the future. Excellent whole hearted servant to the club.
2

ChrisFelix added 20:06 - May 9 Has been a very good player, but not this season. On Sunday watching him reminded me of strictly come dancing
1

cat added 20:11 - May 9 Seasider- very 'nice' post! and I get the fact that credit should be given for the service that Berra has given our club, albeit on 15k or so a week!! A couple of seasons ago he would have got the 100% ACCOLADES you mention, but after this DEBACLE of a season, I'm finding it hard to give any player recognition, whether they are staying or 'going'. There's only one player who's left at the club, who over the course of the whole season actually deserves any credit at all. So, to the rest of the 1% ers, well said! because it's not all about them 'UPPERS' it's about being honest!!

1

runningout added 20:25 - May 9 Berra still has his best to come, shame it's going to be elsewhere
0

heathen66 added 20:28 - May 9 Thanks Christophe, had a couple of good years with us, and proved one of the best mam on man defenders in the Championship. I do have to question however how we have allowed Berra to leave for absolutely nothing. It was no secret that he wanted to leave, so should have been sold in January, even if we could have raised £200k. Add to that another probable £150k - £200k in wages which would have probably paid for Emyr Huws. All very nice and gentlemanly and that can be applauded, however we CANNOT afford to let this happen, as we cannot afford to allow Hyam, Coke, Best Douglas, Williams etc.. to keep being paid without playing

1

TimmyH added 21:24 - May 9 Cheers Christophe - you served us well and probably the best 'freebie' under the McCarthy reign. All the best on your travels!
3

Tractastic added 21:55 - May 9 All the very best Christophe.This news been made public before the last home game so the fans could have shown their full appreciation . The PR machine at Ipswich continues to stutter and stumble.......
2

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