Sean Morrison: Former captain departs Cardiff City

Sean Morrison began his professional career with Swindon Town after he was released as a youngster by hometown club Plymouth Argyle

Former captain Sean Morrison has left Cardiff City after more than eight years with the club.

Morrison has not played since suffering a serious knee injury in a win at Barnsley in February 2022.

The 31-year-old was on a return-to-play contract and had continued to train with the Bluebirds this season.

"No amount of words will be ever be enough to tell you what this club means and will always mean to me," said Morrison.

"The last eight-and-a-half years have been filled with some of the most incredible moments and memories."

Morrison made 295 appearances for Cardiff, and was instrumental in helping the club back to the Premier League in 2018.

"To every staff member and player I've ever had the joy of working with, thank you, you've made me a better person and I've treasured every moment," he added.

"To the most incredible fans, my biggest thank you is to you. You are the heartbeat of Cardiff City."

The centre-back hopes to continue his playing career elsewhere.

Sean Morrison in action against Arsenal in the Premier League in September 2018

Morrison joined Cardiff in August 2014 from Reading, following the departure of Steven Caulker after the Bluebirds' first relegation from the Premier League.

During his time at Cardiff, Morrison scored 33 goals from defence, including seven in their promotion-winning season of 2017-18.

Two of those goals came in the penultimate game of the season at Hull City, as Morrison's brace put the Bluebirds in pole position to return to the top flight.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said: "Few clubs will be fortunate enough to have a captain with the qualities of Sean for such a sustained and largely successful period of time.

"Today is etched with sadness as we say farewell, but [is] also an opportunity for us to look back with great fondness on Sean's time with us and what he achieved."

Cardiff manager Mark Hudson, who also led the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2013, paid tribute to Morrison.

Hudson said: "He has been a huge influence - a leader on and off the pitch. He created some amazing environments in the dressing room for players to come into.

"He has always been welcoming to everyone around the club - fans, players and staff. I want to say thank you to him and wish him all the very best going forward."

Hudson added he felt Morrison's playing days had not ended.

"I think he can get back up to speed. It was a huge injury at a disappointing time in his career," he said.

"I have told him he can get fitter and stronger and he will have many years playing the game."