It’s that time of year again. Last season’s Premier League clubs have unveiled the names of the players they’re keeping on – and those they’re letting go…
Aside from a few exceptions, the ‘released’ players normally fall into one of three categories:
Those who have already signed with new clubs…
BREAKING: Derby sign Darren Bent on two-year contract after release from Aston Villa. #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2015
Youngsters who haven’t made the grade…
Surprised United have released Tom Thorpe.Never seem to have got same chances as Blackett, McNair. Odd one #mufc
— Stuart Mathieson (@StuMathieson7) June 10, 2015
And of course, players you assumed had left years ago….
Who the fuck is Ryo Myaichi?
— James (@jacn__) June 10, 2015
It’s also an opportunity to see Premier League footballers’ full names…
Best thing about the Premier League's Retained/Released list is dodgy middle names. Step foward Glen McLeod Cooper Johnson.
— Tom Goodwyn (@tomgoodwyn) June 10, 2015
Including honours of course…
Premier League retained list confirms Steven Gerrard is the only MBE to leave on a free this summer #lfc
— Tom Maston (@TomMaston) June 10, 2015
Aside from Gerrard, the longest-serving player to depart is Arsenal’s Abou Diaby, who has been at the club for nine years but played just once in each of the last two seasons.
diaby, you're free :'( pic.twitter.com/WXAb6mZvqu
— Stan's Account (@tristandross) June 10, 2015
Still, he won’t be entirely forgotten…
Abou Diaby was the last Arsenal player to be booked for timewasting in the Premier League (April 2011 v Blackpool). So there's his legacy.
— Chris Mayer (@chrismayerV1) June 10, 2015
And perhaps we haven’t seen the last of him after all…
Diaby on a free would be the most Wenger signing ever, and for that reason I am refusing to rule it out
— JOEL GOLBY STAN ACCOUNT (@joelgolby) June 10, 2015
