Departed Cheltenham Town striker Kyle Vassell has hailed the changing room at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium as the best he's been in, but admits after recent personal events in his life that the opportunity to play football abroad in the USA is too good an opportunity to turn down.
The summer signing left the club this week midway through his one-year contract and is set to move to an American club after a similar transfer move before joining the Robins fell through.
He has been reflecting on his decision to part ways with the club and believes there's plenty of talent in the squad to go on and achieve the club's aims this season in League One.
"Before I signed here in the summer I was meant to be signing for San Diego. It all fell through because of covid, I couldn't really get the visa and a few other problems," he said.
"But it just so happened that the opportunity has come up again. This time everything looks like it's going to be fine and with what's happened recently in my life it feels like it's the right time for me to try something new, try something different. It's a huge risk and it's going to be a completely different lifestyle but for me I feel like I need that now.
"In fairness to the gaffer and the club they've been unbelievable with me - completely understanding. I've been at places where they'd say 'no chance, you're not going anywhere' but they've been unbelievable with me and I can only be appreciative and say thank you to everyone involved.
"It has been frustrating for me. I don't feel like I've given the best account of myself. But I've definitely tried my hardest, I've definitely put myself about and tried to be as much as a team player as I can. Hopefully that's been seen.
"I wish I'd scored more goals and wish I'd played a bit better in games, but it has just not worked out that way. I guess maybe that's why it is the right time for me to try something new and maybe get the spark back.
"I've had an amazing time here. It's the best football environment I've been in. I'm not just saying that, the changing room is incredible. The gaffer has been brilliant with me. He's taught me things for an ex-Premier League defender that will stick with me for the rest of my career. All of the staff are brilliant.
"With the way the season is going I was thinking whether it's the right thing. I kind of want to be here and make sure the team stay up, but I'm one hundred per cent confident there's more than enough in the changing room to achieve that. I'll be sad to go but excited for what is to come."
Vassell leaves having made 22 appearances for the club and scoring four goals.
On Thursday the club announced the arrivals of Southampton loanee Dan Nlundulu and former Chelsea forward Charlie Brown who has transferred permanently on an 18-month contract from MK Dons.
The duo are expected to be involved in the squad that hosts Burton Albion at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3pm and tickets are available to buy from the ticket office up to 3pm on Friday or online at any time. Make sure you buy before midnight to save £2 on matchday prices.
