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Having originally shelved plans to retire this summer, Yann Kermorgant has left Reading by mutual consent, as confirmed by the club on Tuesday.
During the 2016/17 season, the French veteran had indicated that the following season would be his last, until agreeing to a one-year contract extension that ran to June of 2019.
Sadly, despite registering 19 goals in an immaculate year that took Reading to the play-off final, Kermorgant required hip surgery in the subsequent summer and the striker never seemed to be up to full pace with just two strikes registered in 2017/18.
Whether he now retires or seeks a new club hasn’t yet been confirmed by the club or player.
Looking back on Kermorgant’s time with the Royals, it’s hard not to draw parralels with Jason Roberts. Both arrived in the twilight of their career and pulled out hugely impressive spells of form that were integral to the team’s success.
In addition, both were hugely popular off the pitch and the fans were deeply impressed by their personality and character. Ultimately, however, age caught up with them and suggested their feats were slight overachievements.
Luckily, we’re left with good memories of Kermorgant and his penalty winner against Fulham in the play-off semi-final, along with vital goals past Leeds, Cardiff and Bristol City, have cemented his place in Reading folklore.