Fulham has thanked Mark Schwarzer for the brilliant five years of service he gave the club.
The 40-year old Australian goalkeeper has been released by the Cottagers after turning down the option of a new deal. Along with 10 other players who will not play on for the Southwest London outfit, Schwarzer was sent a message of gratitude on the club's official website.
"The Club would like to thank all the Fulham players whose contracts expired on 30th June for their service to the Craven Cottage cause over the years," read the statement.
"Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was signed on a free transfer in 2008 after more than a decade at Middlesbrough and became a virtual ever-present in the side as our established number one. The stopper made his 500th top-flight appearance against Arsenal last season and, in doing so, became the first overseas player to reach that milestone.
"Schwarzer made his Fulham debut against Hull City and played every minute of the 2008/09 campaign to pick up the Club's Player of the Year award at the end of his first season. Playing a huge role in our run to the UEFA Europa League Final in 2010, he became a Cottage favourite and made three penalty saves last season - most notably in the 3-3 draw at the Emirates against Arsenal."
Joining Schwarzer at the Craven Cottage exit door is Welshman Simon Davies, Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird, Greek midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, Croatian striker Mladen Petric, Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi as well as development squad players Alex Smith, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Tom Donegan and Corey Gameiro.
