Forgotten England star, 35, RELEASED on free transfer as Crystal Palace release emotional statement for club legend

CRYSTAL PALACE have released club legend Nathaniel Clyne as he leaves for the second time. Clyne, 35, is now a free agent after not extending his stay at Selhurst Park. Nathaniel Clyne has left Crystal Palace after two spells at the club Credit: Getty He made over 250 appearances for the Eagles Credit: Getty The academy graduate came through the club in the 2000s before being snapped up by Southampton upon their promotion to the Prem in 2012. And Clyne returned, after spells at Liverpool and Bournemouth, in 2020. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The 14-cap England international departs South London with 252 appearances for Palace in total. In an emotional statement confirming he has left, Palace described “two stellar” periods as an Eagle. They write: “Clyne has played a vital role in one of the most important chapters in Palace’s story, starting out when the Eagles were in the Championship and leaving as one of the most decorated players in club history.” He made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2008 and featured 137 times before going to Saints. Clyne helped them stay up in 2010 and won at Old Trafford in the League Cup quarter-final over Manchester United a year later. His first Three Lions match came in 2014 and he was named in the Euro 2016 squad. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS But right-back Clyne was only used once during the tournament – in the final group game win over Slovakia as England crashed out to Iceland one round later. He only played once more for his country, being left on the bench or unused in five other games. When Clyne’s deal at Liverpool ended six years ago he was picked up by Palace again. And the veteran has played a key role both on the field and behind-he-senes as the club went from strength-tostrngth. They are a cemented top- flight team and have now started winning silverware. Clyne did not play in the 2025 FA Cup semi or final during wins over Aston Villa or Manchester City at Wembley. He played less than 90 minutes throughout the competition as his role was reduced. Last season he made just 14 appearances across all comps, including three on the way to the Conference League final – where he stayed a sub. Clyne’s last game was a defeat to Arsenal at Selhurst Park on the final day of the season. He said: “The last few seasons have given me some of the best days of my life. “I’m proud of these achievements, proud of myself and the football club. “When I started at Crystal Palace we were in the Championship. Now the club is playing European football, having nights like we did in Leipzig. “I’m just so happy that I’ve been a part of that, it’s meant so much to me and my family. “I just want to say thank you to the fans, thank you to the staff and all my teammates for helping me achieve this.” Palace add: “Everyone at Crystal Palace would like to thank Clyney for his services to the club and wish him the very best for the future.” Comment now