Stoke City announced on Friday morning that Shay Given is one of six players who will depart the club when their contracts run out at the end of next month.
The 41-year-old has been at Stoke for two years, making 11 appearances for the club. Most of those came at the start of this season when he stepped in for the injured Jack Butland.
However, Given lost his place to Lee Grant following a 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in September. He spent the rest of the season on the bench until Butland returned from injury in April. He then dropped down the pecking order to third choice for Mark Hughes.
Given joined Stoke on a free transfer from Aston Villa in 2015 as cover for Butland following the departure of Asmir Begovic and Thomas Sorensen.
His departure from the club had been widely expected. After Stoke's final home game of the season against Arsenal a fortnight ago, Charlie Adam wish Given farewell on the pitch.
On behalf of the players. Shay Given will leave us at the end of the season and on behalf of the players we'd like to thank him. He's been a massive part of this club for the last two years. Enjoy next year!
It's unclear as of yet whether or not Given intends to retire from football or continue on.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
