Fly-half Freddie Burns has emptied his locker and left Leicester Tigers for the last time after being forced out of the club to make way for the incoming George Ford.
Walking into a media session this week, Burns was wearing one of his jumpers instead of branded training kit.
He cheekily asked: “Am I meant to be in Leicester kit? They took it off me.
Got so much time for this pass from Freddie Burns 👌🏽👏 pic.twitter.com/FvhU2KUXjU
— In At The Side (@Inattheside) May 22, 2017
“They took it off me quicker than they took my contract off me.
On his departure, Burns had this to say.
“It was disappointing, it was like the club deeming me not good enough,” said Burns
Gutted but immensely proud to have been a part of this group. Sorry we couldn’t deliver the result. Thanks for the memories! #Tigersfamily
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) May 20, 2017
“Worse things have happened to better people. I’ve tried to crack on and not to clock-off early.”
And fans on Twitter and in the Leicester Tigers Supporters group on Facebook have voiced their sadness over the playmaker’s departure.
@FreddieBurns Thanks for everything Freddie, you will be remembered as a Tiger my Son is gutted you’re leaving (fav player).
— Richard Stokes (@Richstokes81) May 24, 2017
We got rid of @FreddieBurns for him 😱😱😱😱😱 WTF!! 😡😡#sorryfreddie https://t.co/IEpjMAN8qs
— Carley Martin (@carley_jm) May 24, 2017
@BathBytes @TelegraphRugby Never heard of him, does he play in the same position as Freddie Burns? 😎
— David Newham (@davienew7) May 23, 2017
@FreddieBurns Amen to that Freddie……
Good luck a Bath, but always have a bad one against the Tigers.— Simalube (@simalube) May 23, 2017
@FreddieBurns You have been the Tigers best player and will be sorely missed. Your treatment has been shameful. Best of luck at Bath.
— Robert Turpie (@bobturpie) May 22, 2017
@FreddieBurns Absolutely gutted on two parts, having the match stolen from us and you leaving 😱😪
— Rachel Robertson (@RachelR1965) May 22, 2017