Jesse Lingard has posted an emotional message on Instagram after his departure from Nottingham Forest. Morgan Gibbs-White, Moussa Niakhate and Felipe have all reacted and it would appear that they’re heartbroken at the club’s decision.
It has to be said that this call was the right one. Lingard has struggled for game time since the World Cup, amid several injury problems that have stopped him from kicking on.
At the back end of last year, Lingard was starting to get up to full speed. He scored in the Carabao Cup win over Tottenham and played brilliantly well against Crystal Palace before the break.
Ultimately of late, Steve Cooper has simply preferred other options. Lingard has been on the bench in games without ever really making an impact on the pitch during the run-in.
Still, the 30-year-old is a bit misunderstood. Okay, the player has cost Forest a lot in wages but behind the scenes, he’s had a positive impact on the squad.
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Lingard’s next move isn’t clear. It’s unlikely he will get another deal in the Premier League and a move overseas looks like the most likely outcome.
Either way, Lingard served a purpose at Forest. His influence on a young squad was evident and now the Reds have stayed up, the money spent is a mere drop in the ocean.
Lingard has posted emotional message on Instagram after Forest exit
If you wondered what impact Lingard has had on the Forest squad, then take a look at Instagram. Gibbs-White, Felipe and Niakhate are all seemingly gutted to see the forward leave.
Defender Niakhate posted a short and sweet message that said, ‘My guy’, with a series of heartbroken emojis alongside it.
Felipe hasn’t been at Forest for long. The supporters have warmed to him though and he’s also sent Lingard on his way with a message.
He said: “All the best on your journey.”
Gibbs-White is one player who linked up quite well with Lingard on the pitch. The pair were playing well together before the World Cup and it’s a shame they didn’t play together more.
He posted on Lingard’s Instagram: “Gonna miss you.”
Forest couldn’t justify Lingard signing a contract extension and given the money he was on his departure made perfect sense.
He doesn’t deserve any stick though and it will be interesting to see where he ends up next.