Exiting Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has thanked everyone at Portman Road having created “incredible” memories together during his time at the club.

The Australian international, 32, joined the Blues on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in January 2023 and went on to be a key player in the team which won back-to-back promotions from League One and then the Championship.

Sydney-born Luongo, who had a previous loan spell with Town from Tottenham as an 18-year-old in 2012/13, leaves the club this summer with his contract up.

“I just wanted to say a massive, massive thank you for the past two and a half years,” he said in a message on the club’s social media.

“You’ve helped me achieve a childhood dream of playing in the Premier League. We’ve had amazing moments together I think I’m going to remember for the rest of my life and I just want to say thank you.

“Thank you for accepting me as soon as I came to the club, thank you for accepting me when I came on loan when I was 18.

“Further down the line, we’ve managed to achieve the ultimate goal of getting to the Premier League.

“Unfortunately, this year we couldn’t stay in the Premier League but this team has been incredible and you guys have been incredible the whole way.

“I just want to say it means so much that I’ve been able to do this with you guys. I came here as a boy in ways that I would never experience again, and I’ve left now as a man.

“And I’ve been able to deliver a job that I couldn’t deliver 12 years ago, and I’m here now leaving as a Premier League player, and I have only you guys to thank, so thank you.

“To my wife and my two little kids, Maxi and Annie, I know you guys love it here, but we’ll create more memories together somewhere else and we’ll always be watching Ipswich Town.

“Finally, to my teammates, to the coaching staff, and to the manager, I just want to say thank you.

“I’ve made friends that I will have for the rest of my life and we’ve created memories together which have been incredible.

“I have improved as a player more than I probably would have expected coming here at such a late age but I completely understand where this club is going and the manager’s got to do the right thing for the club and I believe that this club is going to one way, and that way is up.

“So, Town fans, stick by this team, stick by the club, as you always do, and I have every faith that this club will be back in the Premier League in a year’s time.

“So thank you very much. I’m a Town fan forever and I wish everyone all the best in the future.”

In total, Luongo made 54 starts and 20 sub appearances in his second spell with the Blues, scoring five times, adding to eight starts and three games from the bench and one goal in his earlier loan stint.

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poet added 15:16 - May 26 Great tribute from a genuine guy and a fantastic footballer. All the very best Mass.
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ghostofescobar added 15:24 - May 26 Crickey, dusty time again. What a player he has been for us. Him and Sam in the middle, week in, week out, during those astonishing, never to be repeated two years of success. Hardly seems real now. Always seems like a genuine nice guy. He will always be welcome back at PR; one of the good ones. All the best, Mass, you deserve a good contract at a good club, I wish nothing but the best for you….unless you ever face the Town!

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Cookieboy added 15:32 - May 26 One of the most underrated players on the Town books. Wasn't played often enough in the PL
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johnwarksshorts added 15:33 - May 26 Got such a lot respect for this guy as a footballer and human. Gave his all for this club 100% player all the time. I wish him well for the future
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Karlosfandangal added 15:44 - May 26 Still think he could do Town well next year…..but we have to move forward and Mass has to secure his future hopefully a 3 year contract somewhere but not Southampton or Leicester or Sheff United
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Tedray added 16:12 - May 26 Well done - one of the good guys - anyone would be delighted to have him as a friend - all the best to him and his family......
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Suffolkboy added 16:53 - May 26 Simply one of the BEST ! COYB
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WestSussexBlue added 17:00 - May 26 Thank You Mass. A key member of the success these past few seasons. Always welcomed back I’d hope.
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SickParrot added 17:12 - May 26 A really good pro and an excellent role model for the younger players. His great partnership with Morsy was crucial to our back to back promotions. Unfortunately he is too slow for the Premier League but he could still be effective in the Championship. He wouldn't be able to start every game but he would be more influential than Jack Taylor.
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ArnieM added 20:26 - May 26 Thank You Mass, and the very best of luck in your new venture. You'll always be welcome back at Portman Road ...
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Mariner1974 added 21:36 - May 26 I can't watch again. One box of tissues a day is enough.
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warfarinman69 added 21:49 - May 26 Thanks Mass. You've been great. And to be compared to John Walk in a chant.... Well you must have been brilliant! A proper player! One of the best of recent years.
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coolcat added 22:47 - May 26 Well that was a very moving speech. Makes me realise how far we came and he was part of that journey. Wishing Massimo and his family the best of luck for the future.
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Flight_of_Shefki added 05:23 - May 27 Great words, Mass. Masssiiimooooo - uh-huh! ♫♫♫
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Dissboyitfc added 07:21 - May 27 Very good player and pro! We need another younger version. Lovely departing message! Good luck although won’t enjoy seeing you play against us, will do a job somewhere!
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muhrensleftfoot added 09:34 - May 27 What a truly decent human being, and excellent footballer. I can remember being totally underwhelmed when I heard we'd signed him. How wrong I was!
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PortmanTerrorist added 11:47 - May 27 Like Holland & Magilton, Morsy & Luongo will be forever remembered as one of our best and most successful midfield pairs. Add to that the fact they are both such great human beings, am so glad we had the success we did and they have seen Premier League action together toward the end of hard earned careers....the good guys can win! Thanks for everything Mass. Always remembered, always welcome back.....A Ha !

1

Linkboy13 added 11:17 - May 28 Made a big contribution to our rise to the Premier league but not a legend that some people have suggested.
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