Crystal Palace said goodbye to two departing legends of the club after the final whistle at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Moments after Palace secured a 12th place league finish with a 5-3 victory over Bournemouth, the club paid tribute to fan favourites Julian Speroni and Jason Puncheon who'll both be leaving the club when their deals expire this summer.
Puncheon - 'proudest achievement'
London-born Puncheon was in the stand during the game to witness a touching moment when the Holmesdale Fanatics unfurled a banner reading ‘Jason Puncheon-Forever One Of Us,’ in the 42nd minute, the players squad number.
At full-time the 32-year-old spoke briefly to the crowd to say his thanks to the club that he’s played over 150 times for.
“To captain the club at Selhurst, my local club, is my proudest achievement,” he said before joining the rest of the squad in a lap of honour.
READ:Hodgson praise for understated Palace pair after Bournemouth win
READ:Report: Crystal Palace 5-3 Bournemouth- Goal-frenzy at Selhurst to see out season
Speroni - 'it's been incredible'
Goalkeeper Speroni who didn’t make the matchday squad after asking Roy Hodgson only to be chosen on merit, was given a guard of honour at the final whistle.
“It’s hard to express how I’m feeling right now,” the 39-year-old Argentinian said.
“It’s been 15 years, and the bond that we’ve built with all the fans here is just incredible.
“I will never forget it, it’s something that will stay with me forever.”
“Overall, the whole time that I’ve spent at this unbelievable football club is just the highlight for me.
“It goes both ways – I adore them as well. I can’t explain it really.
“I can have good games, bad games but every time I stepped on that pitch, I gave everything I had. I think they always appreciated it.
“It’s been incredible.”
Speroni had his own banner unveiled, ‘15 Years Of Inspiration, Forever Red and Blue, Gracias Julian,’ as fans were keen to show their gratitude to the long servant.
❤️️💙 pic.twitter.com/OFMb3Rf3p7
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 12, 2019
Oh Jason Puncheon his one of our own ❤💙 #cpfc #JasonPuncheon pic.twitter.com/YwXUUbFNhI
— Gemma Swagsta D (@GSwagsta) May 12, 2019
I'll miss his man ❤💙 #Puncheon #HisOneOfOurOwn #CPFC pic.twitter.com/7R6T2XEsqN
— Gemma Swagsta D (@GSwagsta) May 12, 2019
Puncheon is just the boy. Love everything about him, even that belt remark.
— Rachel May (@rachelmay1990) May 12, 2019
End of the season and farewell to two greats. #puncheon #speroni #cpfc ❤️💙🦅 pic.twitter.com/IFLlbrJ45N
— JCPFC (@jackstacpfc) May 12, 2019
Sad when players leave, Speroni and Puncheon leaving Palace
— Gee_McK (@Gee_McK) May 12, 2019
@CPFC @CEO4TAG To my wonderful friend and amazing Palace keeper Julian Speroni Thank you for 15 fabulous years we will all miss you terribly! ❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/U6rDZYLOFB
— Natalie Spurling (@NatalieSpurling) May 12, 2019
How Wilf looks at Speroni 😭😭😭
— Rach Smith (@RachSmith82) May 12, 2019
Thank you and goodbye to Jules. #cpfcfamily https://t.co/krOfYDlbDk
Sad to think Julian Speroni won’t be at the club anymore as a player but im sure one day he will return. What a legend, I’ll never forget that save against Barnes in the play off semi final! #cpfc #juliansperoni
— Adam Daubeney (@AdamDaubeney) May 12, 2019
Goodbye great man I love you #cpfc #eagles #homesdalefanatics #speroni pic.twitter.com/XBGqHdnIjd
— Go Scoble - NJTravel (@GoScoble) May 12, 2019
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