Crystal Palace announce they are releasing Premier League record holder after 13 years in emotional statement
CRYSTAL PALACE’s Joel Ward is leaving the club after 13 years.
The 35-year-old defender has played over 360 times for the Eagles since joining from Portsmouth in 2012.
Ward helped Palace gain promotion in his first season at Selhurst Park.
The versatile defender has been a member of the squad in the Premier League ever since.
Ward was named club captain in 2023/24 and has racked up a record number of Prem appearances for the club.
He has repaid the club with 13 seasons of service after signing for just £400,000.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club.
“[He is] open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.
“Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him – in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.
“This is a great time to celebrate Joel’s achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend.
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“Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.”
Ward penned a one-year extension with Palace last year.
But he’s struggled with a calf injury for much of the campaign and is yet to confirm if he will continue playing.
Ward told the club’s website: “For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.
“It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.
“Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family.
“This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely see you later.”