Darikwa’s emotional goodbye to Forest is ‘not how he imagined it’

Tendayi Darikwa has posted an emotional goodbye to Nottingham Forest supporters and says his departure from the club is not “how he imagined it ending”.

The right-back has sealed a move to League One side Wigan Athletic where he will remain with the League One club until the end of the season on a short-term contract.

Darikwa was a popular figure with the majority of Forest supporters, but has not made an appearance for the Reds this term having seen Cyrus Christie become first-choice right-back.

The 29-year-old suffered a ruptured ACL on the eve of the last campaign and only returned at the back end of the season, being an unused substitute in the final weeks, following the Championship’s restart.

In an emotional address to Forest fans on his Twitter account, he wrote: “From a young age I wanted to play for this football club.

“I’m thankful and grateful for the opportunity to do that. Not the way I imagined it ending but that’s life.

“Thank you to everyone for the love and support during my time here, especially through last season’s injury.”

Nottingham Forest confirmed his departure with a statement on the club website which read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that defender Tendayi Darikwa has joined League One side Wigan Athletic until the end of the season.

Reds boss Chris Hughton added: “We’ve always been very open with Tendayi.

“He’s a really good individual, a good trainer and a good player.

“But it’s a good while – even before my time – since he’s played.

“He is one that if there’s an opportunity for him to get games elsewhere, then I think that’s an opportunity we would accept and he would take.

“But having said that, he pushes every day in training. And although he’s not been involved, I wouldn’t be too fearful of involving him.

“It’s only that he’s not played for a while.

“But his levels have been good and he’s played some under-23s games, and is an incredibly good professional.” NottinghamShireLive.