Ipswich Town defender Christophe Berra will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in the summer, according to BBC Sport.
It is believed that he intends to move closer to his native Scotland, where he has a young daughter.
The Suffolk side had an option to extend the player’s contract for a further season, but have decided not to take it up to allow Berra to move on.
His desire to depart Portman Road has been well-publicised in the media throughout the season, but has been confirmed today by manager Mick McCarthy.
He told the club website: “It’s a situation we have been aware of for some time.
“He is not doing anything devious, he just wants to spend more time with his daughter and anyone with family can respect that.
“Christophe has been fantastic for us. He has been one of the best defenders in the Championship over the last four years and I didn’t want to lose him, but I understand fully why he wants to go back closer to home and we wish him well.”
Berra joined the Blues in 2013 from Wolves, having worked with Mick McCarthy at Molineux during his time there.
He enjoyed a largely successful career in Suffolk; he won the Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 2013/14, before helping the Tractor Boys to a top-six finish the following season.
However, his performances this season have drawn criticism from Ipswich fans, as the club finished the campaign in a disappointing 16th place.
Berra is also a regular Scottish international, having made 35 appearances for his country, and scoring three times.
