CRYSTAL PALACE’s Joe Ward is leaving the club after 13 years.
The 35-year-old defender has played over 360 times for the Eagles since joining from Portsmouth in 2012.
AlamyJoel Ward is leaving Crystal Palace after more than a decade with the club[/caption]
Ward helped Palace gain promotion in his first season at Selhurst Park.
The versatile defender has been a member of the squad in the Premier League ever since.
Ward was named club captain in 2023/24 and has racked up a record number of Prem appearances for the club.
He has repaid the club with 13 seasons of service after signing for just £400,000.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club.
“[He is] open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.
“Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him – in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.
“This is a great time to celebrate Joel’s achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend.
“Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.”
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