Kristian Pedersen breaks silence on Birmingham City exit with emotional message

Kristian Pedersen has sent a heartfelt message to Birmingham City fans after it was confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer.

The Danish defender joined Jeremie Bela and Connal Trueman as the first team players to depart Blues this summer, with five under-23s also not being retained - defender Renedi Masampu, goalkeeper Archie Matthews, midfielder Oriol Soldevila, attacker Kane Thompson-Sommers and striker Yoane Zohore.

Lee Bowyer had hinted at departures for Pedersen and Bela before Birmingham 's season had ended and it was confirmed on Friday by the club. The 27-year-old joined the club in 2018 from German side Union Berlin under Garry Monk and made 161 appearances, scoring nine goals and assisting seven more.

Following the confirmation that is stay at St Andrew's would be coming to its conclusion at the end of June, Pedersen took to Instagram to send a classy message to the club.

He said: "Thank you for everything @bcfc. A big thank you to all you supporters who kept supporting the team when we needed you the most.

"Your support means everything. I wish you all the best in the future."