Tom Brady announces he is leaving New England Patriots

American football quarterback, Tom Brady, has announced he is leaving the New England Patriots, where he’s played for 20 years, winning six Super Bowl victories, nine AFC titles, 219 wins, and three Most Valuable Player awards after 20 seasons with the club.

The 42-year-old first-time free agent made the announcement via his Twitter account on Tuesday but didn’t reveal his next destination.

In a statement, he wrote: ‘To all my teammates, coaches, executives, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family and the entire organization,’ Belichick’s statement began. ‘I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me – I have learned from everyone.

‘You have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that.

‘Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that.’

‘Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishment,’ he wrote. ‘I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and everyone of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.’

In a separate statement to fans, Brady wrote: ‘I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters. MA has been mu home for twenty years,’ he wrote. ‘It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England. The support has been overwhelming – I wish every player could experience it. 

‘My children were born and raised here and you always embraced this California kid as your own. I love your commitment and loyalty to your teams and winning for our city means more than you will ever know. i can’t thank you enough for your the support of our team. The packed training camps and should out stadiums and mostly the victory parades. I have been so blessed to share them with you all.’