FORMER Colchester United favourite Gavin Massey has thanked Wigan Athletic and their fans after confirming his exit from the club.

The 29-year-old attacker has announced on social media that he will be leaving the DW Stadium upon the expiry of his current contract, after five years with the Latics.

Massey spent five productive years at Wigan, playing 166 times for them and helping them win promotion back to the Championship from League One, this season.

Gazette:

Writing on social media, Massey said: 'Been an unbelievable ride.

'Spent some great years at this club and experienced some of the best memories.

'From Fa Cup runs to two League One titles!

'I've played in some great teams and with some great individuals on top of that all the staff have helped me so much along the way.

'I can't thank everyone enough!

'Thankyou to all the fans for making me feel so welcomed since day one.

'Clubs back to where it belongs and I wish you all the best in the future.'

Gazette:

Massey made 178 league and cup appearances for Colchester during his four-and-a-half year stint with the club, scoring 21 goals.

With his skill, versatility and positive attitude, he quickly endeared himself to Colchester fans after initially arriving at the club as a fresh-faced teenager on loan from Watford in January 2012, snapped up by John Ward.

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Massey twice scooped the Colchester United 'Players' Player of the Year' accolade before leaving to join Leyton Orient, in 2016.

The former Watford youngster scored eight goals in 36 appearances for the O's.

But he left following the club's relegation to the National League and joined Wigan on a two-year deal in 2017.

Massey went onto have a fruitful time at the Latics and returned to Colchester with them this season, featuring in the visitors' 2-1 FA Cup second-round win over his former club, last December.

Wigan manager Leam Richardson told the club's website: โ€œIt has been a pleasure to work with Gav throughout the past five seasons; he has played an important role in all the successes we have experienced since 2017.

โ€œGavin has been excellent for us whenever he has been called upon and never been a momentโ€™s trouble behind the scenes.

โ€œClearly, it is never nice to say goodbye as we both move in different directions, but I am sure our supporters would agree that Gav and his family will always be welcome back at the DW.

โ€œOn behalf of all the staff, I would like to wish him well in the future and thank him for his efforts during his time here.โ€