JAKE Wright admitted it was emotional to leave Oxford United after seven seasons, but the defender made it clear there was no bitterness over his surprise departure.

The 30-year-old was the longest-serving player in the squad, racking up 278 appearances and two promotions after joining in January 2010.

But instead of flying with the U’s to Malaga, he was on a different plane to southern Spain yesterday, after reuniting with former boss Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.

It ended a hectic week for the player, who began it as United’s captain, but the signing of Curtis Nelson – the second centre half to join this summer, after Aaron Martin – led to a difficult conversation with the U’s boss.

Wright said: “Michael Appleton said I wasn’t in his plans and he’d give me the opportunity to move on.

“It was a shock to be told, especially after we got promoted with the best defensive record in the league.

“I had been here six and a half years and I was settled, my kids were at school, so it wasn’t something I wanted to do.

“I saw myself staying at Oxford for as long as I could and hopefully retiring there.

“I respect the gaffer so much for being honest with me, because I know it wasn’t easy for him to do that.

“We’ve still got a good relationship with him and all the staff, I can’t speak highly enough of all of them.

“I’m not leaving on bitter terms at all.

“I’m leaving on good terms with the players, the staff and hopefully the fans.

“Leaving after such an amazing year last year is probably quite a good point to go, at least I’ve left on a high note.”

Wright has always been a captain who led by example, putting his body on the line and played many times with knocks which would have seen others pull out.

New signings have regularly spoken of the efforts the defender made to welcome them to the group and while a move to Bramall Lane provided an excellent finish to the week, saying goodbye proved difficult.

Wright said: “It was an emotional time when I found out and I had to speak to the lads who are still at the club.

“It wasn’t easy and to be honest there were a few tears, but you’ve got to move on quickly.

“At 30 to get a two-year contract at a massive club like this is incredible.

“After getting the bad news that I had to leave Oxford, to turn it round in a week is brilliant.

“Oxford are going places. I think the signings will be really good and I hope Oxford do really well – and finish just behind Sheffield.”

Appleton commented: “I said his place wasn’t going to be guaranteed, regardless of him being captain, because we feel we’ve brought two very good centre halves into the building.

“He’s been my captain for two years and did fantastically for us.”