So sad 😞 Derby county want the 33 year winger to leave with an immediate effect see more…

Derby County have issued a heartfelt farewell message to promotion hero Nathaniel Mendez-Laing following his shock departure to League Two side MK Dons.

The 33-year-old winger brought an end to a three-year spell at Pride Park on Tuesday to reunite with former Rams manager Paul Warne, who was sacked and replaced by John Eustace

in February.

During his time in the East Midlands, Mendez-Laing made 145 appearances and scored 21 goals as he helped the Rams return to the English second-tier.

His last goal for Derby came in April’s 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, a key result that helped the club survive relegation.

Announcing his exit, the club issued the following statement: “Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has left Derby County after a three-season spell with the club.

“The versatile forward departs the Rams to join Sky Bet League Two side MK Dons on a permanent basis, where he will be reunited with former Derby Head Coach Paul Warne.

“Guatemala international Mendez-Laing joined Derby in the summer of 2022 and was a key part of the promotion-winning side from League One in the 2023/24 season.

“He made 145 appearances in total during his time with the club and scored 21 goals, the last of which came in Derby’s 3-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion in April of this year on the way to John Eustace’s side preserving their Championship status.

“Derby County would like to wish Nathaniel every success in the future and thank him for his efforts whilst representing the club.”

Mendez-Laing issued his own emotional message upon his departure, saying: “I will always have massive respect for Derby County.

“I have so much respect for the fans and everybody at the club, it was a special time in my career, and I’ve played some of my best football there.