Johnny Ertl has paid tribute to Crystal Palace players and fans following his exit from the club.

The popular Austrian joined Sheffield United on a free transfer last week after his contract ran out at the end of the season following two seasons with the Eagles.

He had a major role in keeping Palace in the Championship, playing in the final day relegation decider against Sheffield Wednesday, and admitted leaving after a season like last was a hard decision.

"The experience I had at Crystal Palace was unbelievable and I have never played in such a big game as the Sheffield one," said the 27 year-old.

"It was a hard decision to leave and I will never forget my time at Crystal Palace and hope everything is sorted out as the club means a lot to me.

"Of course I am sad to be leaving as I have had such a great time at Palace.

"Last season was such an emotional rollercoaster for everyone at the club and I will never forget what we achieved.

"We were really determined to stay in the division and it meant so much to every one of us.

"I will keep all the good memories and I would like to say thank you to all the fans and the people.

"I learned lots of things and made lots of friends in London."

Ertl, who rejected an offer to join an unnamed Norwegian club last summer, also revealed he had been talking to United manager Kevin Blackwell for some time.

"The offer come up quite a long time ago," he said.

"I see it as the next step as I want to get promoted to the Premier League and Sheffield United is a really big club.

"I had a chat with Kevin Blackwell and they were really keen to sign me."