Wes Hoolahan: Long-serving Norwich City midfielder to leave club at the end of the season

Norwich City have announced that long-serving playmaker Wes Hoolahan will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old has spent the last 10 years at Carrow Road after joining for a bargain £250,000 fee from Blackpool back in 2008.

During that time, he has made 351 appearances and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League on two occasions, as well playing a pivotal role in leading the Canaries to the League One title in 2010.

However, his current contract is due to expire in the summer and the club have confirmed that he won't be offered another one.

His last game for the Canaries will be against Leeds United on Saturday and plans are in place to give him a special send-off both before and after kick-off.

Both the club and Hoolahan have agreed that he won't be involved in the final fixture of the season at Sheffield Wednesday on May 6.

A testimonial will also be arranged over the next 12 months, although it won't happen this summer due to work being carried out on the Carrow Road pitch.

“It was a really difficult decision. What he’s done for the club, both on and off the pitch, is immense," Sporting Director Stuart Webber said.

"It’s always difficult especially when it’s an end of an era for somebody and I’m just glad he’s going to get the send-off he deserves, and he’s been granted a testimonial which is great.

“No one should underestimate what an achievement it’s been being at a club of this size for ten years. We should never take that for granted – it’s a massive achievement for him to have stayed fit and to have stayed at this level for as long as he has.

“He’s a player we should all celebrate. If you like football, then you like Wes Hoolahan.”

Head Coach Daniel Farke also paid tribute to Hoolahan's achievements and added that he felt "blessed" to have been given the opportunity to work with him.

“I feel really blessed and thankful to have been his coach. It’s been a big pleasure to work with Wes, not only because of his ability but also because of his personality and character," said Farke.

“I’ve made it clear before just how much I would have appreciated working with him when he was 26, because he’s an unbelievable player.

“He’s a club legend already, and we know he will be even more of a legend in the future.”

Hoolahan, who also earned 43 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has penned an open letter to Norwich fans to thank them for all their support through the years.

• Hoolahan's open letter to fans in full

• Social media tributes from Hoolahan's former teammates