Jose Antonio Reyes bids tearful farewell to boyhood club Sevilla

Jose Antonio Reyes has confirmed he will leave his hometown club Sevilla this summer.

The 32-year-old helped Sevilla win the Europa League the past three seasons, but he is out of contract and has been linked with a move to Galatasaray.

Reyes began his career with Sevilla and played with them until joining Arsenal in 2004, but he then returned in 2012, making 253 appearances with the senior club over his two stints.

In a post on Instagram, Reyes said he would have preferred to finish his career with Sevilla.

"The first time I left I went tearfully but happy because my departure helped to financially stabilise my team. I knew it would and it did. Today my intention was to continue with this great family and finish my career in the same place it started," Reyes wrote on Wednesday.

"Much to my regret I have no other choice but to leave again. I'll return to tears and I want you to remember me as someone who fought to the end for our badge. Throughout my life this has been my team and I'll take you in my heart wherever I go.

"Thanks to all the fans for their support. Without you I wouldn't be what I am. I'm proud to have as captain lifted the trophy we so craved. My family will always be Sevilla."

La primera vez me fui entre lágrimas pero a la vez contento porque mi ida ayudaría a sanear económicamente a mi equipo. Sabía que volvería y así lo hice. Hoy mi intención era continuar en esta gran familia y terminar mi carrera en el mismo lugar donde la comencé. Muy a mi pesar no me queda otra opción que la de marcharme de nuevo. Vuelvo a irme entre lágrimas y quiero que me recordéis como alguien que luchó hasta el final por nuestro escudo. Durante toda mi vida este ha sido mi equipo y os llevaré a donde quiera que vaya en el corazón. Gracias a toda la afición por el apoyo recibido, sin vosotros no sería lo que soy. Me siento orgulloso de haber levantado como capitán un título que tanto deseaba para vosotros. Siempre seréis mi familia SFC.

A photo posted by Instagram Oficial JAR10⚽️ (@j.a.reyes10) on

Jun 1, 2016 at 5:52am PDT

In a club statement, Sevilla called Reyes one of the greatest players in club history.

"Jose Antonio Reyes is leaving Sevilla, putting an end to his second spell here, a most collectively successful one," a club statement said.

"In his two spells, he has been an icon for Sevilla. He has always excelled thanks to his extreme quality and commitment to the club of his life.

"He has been one of the great emblems of the club, if not the greatest."