Bristol City star confirms free transfer exit in emotional parting message

Han-Noah Massengo has confirmed his departure from Bristol City with a clasy parting message to the club and its supporters.

The 21-year-old is leaving Ashton Gate following four years as a Robins player, having accumalated 110 appearances. He had the chance to extend his stay at City after a contract offer was made, but he has opted to depart for pastures new, and has taken to social media to thank everyone for helping him during his time at the club.

Massengo had spent the last six months of his contrac at Bristol City out on loan at Ligue One side Auxerre, where he unfortunately suffered relegation. His time at City came to a frustrating end after he was frozen out by Nigel Pearson following an impasse over contract talks to keep him in the West Country. The last senior appearance Massengo made for the team was a 3-0 against Birmingham City in October 2022.

“It’s time to say good bye,” he started with on his Instagram post, with a video that includes his photos and videos during his time at the club, where he narrates his emotional message.

“It’s been a real privilege. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you have given me in my time as a Bristol City player.

“While this chapter comes to an end, my love for this place, you the people and my fellow professionals will never end. Thank you to all the management, the staff and all those unsung heroes behind the scenes who make @bristolcityfc such a good club. Drink up the cider x.”

As for Massengo’s next club, it is still to be decided where he will end up after an increased amount of transfer speculation. It was reported last week that Wolfsburg and Real Betis had been keeping tabs with the two-time France Under-21 international but that newly promoted Burnley had also held talks with his representatives.

A return to France with his former club Monaco had also been suggested. He is not expected to join Auxerre, where he was on loan at from January onwards, but should a move to Turf Moor take place, then Bristol City would be entitled to a reasonable amount of compensation.