Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has paid tribute to released defender Abdoulaye Faye.
Pulis has thanked Faye for his contribution, but recognises that in order for the club to keep moving forward players have to leave to allow others to join.
"Abdy's contribution to getting the club where it is today should never be under-estimated," Pulis told the club's official website.
"He loved playing for this football club and the supporters loved him, so in many respects it is sad to see him move on.
"But we are moving forward as a club and unfortunately there are times when you have to make tough decisions that allow you to bring in the new faces which can improve the squad, and this is obviously one of them."
