Alex Tettey and Mario Vrancic to depart Norwich City

After amassing a combined total of 395 Norwich City appearances between them, long-serving midfielders Alex Tettey and Mario Vrancic will pull on a yellow and green shirt for the last time on Saturday.

Following lots of speculation over recent months, Norwich confirmed that both Tettey and Vrancic are departing the club at the end of their contracts this summer.

It feels like a poignant moment following the Championship title celebrations that two players heavily associated with the club will not be on the Premier League journey next season. Although, their final contribution will be lifting the Championship trophy at Oakwell, which seems fitting to the occasion.

Most supporters had braced themselves for the news, but the over-arching feeling of sadness amongst the fans remains because neither player will get the send-off they greatly deserve. However, the Canaries sporting director Stuart Webber will be aware there is no place for sentiment in football, as he looks to build a squad capable of Premier League survival.

Alex Tettey the midfield general

Tettey came to Carrow Road in August 2012 from the French side Rennes on an initial two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. Nine years later, he has become a cult hero and featured 262 times for the club, scoring eight goals.

Three promotions, three relegations and forever a mainstay in the defensive midfield position throughout his time in Norfolk is testament to his character. He has brought some iconic moments both on and off the pitch, but his strike against Sunderland in 2013/14 will forever be one of the best Premier League goals ever scored.

The former Norwegian international has become accustomed to scoring exceptional goals or ‘screamers’, including his famous toe-poke finish against his boyhood team Manchester United in December 2015. A decisive goal in a 2-1 victory that earned Norwich a first win at Old Trafford since 1989.

Fans will miss his industrious defensive nature and ability to regularly pick up a yellow card, likewise his infectious smile.

The Canaries sporting director Stuart Webber spoke of his gratitude to the midfielder for his efforts and achievements throughout his time at the club:

“To have achieved what Alex has over his time at the club is phenomenal and he will always remain part of Norwich City.

“We will always have a role for Alex at this football club and, should he wish, we will help and support him with the next stage of his career when he feels the time is right.

“Three promotions, two as a champion, says it all really. On a personal level all I can say is thank you to Alex. All in all, he’s a top character and player and he will be missed around the club.”

Mario Vrancic the ‘Bosnian Beckham’

The Bosnian midfielder joined Norwich City from Darmstadt 98 in June 2017 on an initial three-year deal, becoming one of Daniel Farke’s first signings in his tenure as Norwich head coach. He has since gone on to achieve 133 appearances for the Canaries, scoring 17 goals.

Vrancic made his debut on the opening day of the season against Fulham at Craven Cottage but initially struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the English game. This led the former Bosnian international to gain some critics, as his performances failed to fulfil expectations.

However, in his second season, he silenced these critics, with his contribution being a major influence behind Norwich lifting the 2018/19 Championship title. The goals he scored against Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers and the title-clincher against Aston Villa at Villa Park will go down in Canary folklore.

The 31-year-old grabbed himself a Premier League goal last season, scoring against Tottenham in a 2-2 draw. He has gone on to score some vital goals again this campaign, including late winners against Wycombe and Birmingham in October as the Canaries romped to a second Championship title in three years.

Stuart Webber echoed how important Vrancic has been throughout his time in Norfolk:

“Mario will always be remembered for his moments of magic. I don’t think anyone will forget his goals against Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers and the title-clincher at Aston Villa.

“Mario is probably the best striker of the ball off both feet that I’ve had the privilege of working with. I am sure he will continue to have a successful career, wherever his next move takes him.

“What people don’t see with Mario is the work that he puts in every single day. Even on his days off, Mario is always in and around the training ground, striving to be the very best he can.

“We knew we were signing a top professional four years ago and he has certainly surpassed what we all expected of him.”

Both players can depart Norwich knowing their efforts will live long in the memory of everybody attached to the club.

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