Roy Keane didn't have the most picture-perfect Old Trafford farewell.
Despite a loyal 12-year stay at Manchester United, which included eight years of captaincy, the 34-year-old was forced through the exit doors sooner than many expected.
The fact that the midfielder trained with the team just hours before his departure was confirmed, coupled with the decision being announced soon after his meeting with club figures, meant the news came with the ultimate shock-factor.
His comments after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough, which he didn't even feature in due to a broken foot, played a crucial role in the deterioration of his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite the abrupt nature of his departure, Keane still wrote a heartfelt farewell message to the club's supporters. "It has been a great honour and privilege for me to play for Manchester United for over 12 years," Keane said.
"During my time at the club I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in the game and in front of the best supporters in the world. At all times I have endeavoured to do my best for the management and the team.
"While it is a sad day for me to leave such a great club and manager, I believe that the time has now come for me to move on. After so many years, I will miss everyone at the club.
"I send my best wishes for the future to the management, players, staff and supporters of the club."
Sir Alex Ferguson also paid homage to the captain, without referencing what had happened behind the scenes, writing: "Roy has been a fantastic servant for Manchester United.
"The best midfield player in the world of his generation, he is already one of the great figures in our club's illustrious history.
"He has been central to the success of the club in the last 12-and-a-half years and everyone at Old Trafford wishes him well in the rest of his career and beyond."
David Beckham, who played alongside Keane in Manchester United's midfield for several seasons, also reacted to the announcement.
"The fans will be upset because they loved him down there - and so did I when I played there," Beckham said. "He was a great leader and you always knew where you stood with him.
"If you did something wrong, he would tell you. But if you did it right, then he would also tell you - in his own way. Every player looks up to him for leadership."