JOEY Barton has described his decision to leave Burnley as 'the toughest of his professional life' as he prepares to sign a two-year deal with Rangers.
The midfielder, voted the fans' player of the year as the Clarets won the Championship title, has decided to end his one-year stay at Turf Moor.
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He has told Rangers, returning to the Scottish Premiership next season, that he will sign with them instead, and he is due in Glasgow today to undergo a medical.
Barton has taken to Twitter to thank Burnley fans for their support over the past season.
Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club. Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 24, 2016
Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 24, 2016
After the Clarets won promotion against Queens Park Rangers Barton had indicated he wanted to stay on at Turf Moor, but wanted longer than the one-year deal that was on the table.
Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 24, 2016
I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down. Onwards and upwards now x
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 24, 2016
Instead the Gers pounced and Barton visited their Murray Park training ground a week last Saturday and met boss Mark Warburton and head of recruitment Frank McParland, who was instrumental in bringing Barton to Burnley a year ago.
#UTC always...👊🏻❤️
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 24, 2016
Warburton is keen to make Barton the fulcrum of his midfield as they return to the top flight in Scotland, and the abscence of European football, after their 3-2 defeat to Hibernian in Saturday's Scottish Cup final, hasn't put Barton off.
📸 So this was the final farewell then. Not a bad way to go out for Joey Barton #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/tdlH9N4yNU
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_LT) May 24, 2016
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