Goalkeeper Pau Lopez has published a farewell letter to Espanyol, days after leaving the club to join Tottenham Hotspur on loan.
Lopez joined Tottenham on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, leaving the Catalans for the first time in his career.
"Several circumstances meant I could not have said goodbye as I would have liked," the 21-year-old explained in a post published on Espanyol's website.
"Firstly, it was my decision alone to leave the club. The manager and board told me they did not wish for me to leave, but I took the decision.
"Secondly, it was a personal decision to move on as I believe it will enhance my professional career and allow me to keep improving.
"I also want to thank the fans who have stuck with me through the bad times and the good, offering words of comfort and encouragement."
The Spanish Under 21 goalkeeper only made his debut for the club in February 2015, but established himself in the team after Kiko Casilla's departure to Real Madrid.
"Espanyol has been my home for eight years and will continue to be so in my head," he continued.
"Fans can be sure that, no matter what happens in the future, this club will stay in my heart."
