Jazz Richards ended his association with Swansea yesterday when he joined Fulham in the search for first team football but he was on hand today to thank the club and the fans for his time at Swansea.

With over 50 appearances under his belt, Jazz was certainly not someone who didn't desire first team football but he was a player who never got a run in the side thanks to the excellent form of the likes of Angel Rangel during his time at the club.

Numerous loan spells never allowed him to secure a move away and I suspect it was always his dream to get a more permanent space in the Swans side. But with Wales flying towards the European Championships next summer there came a time where he couldn't hang around any longer and he hinted at the end of last season that he may use this summer to look elsewhere for first team football.

And after plenty of rumoured interest he finally completed a move to Craven Cottage yesterday on a three year deal.

“The staff at Swansea have been great with me over the years. The players are a great bunch. They are good friends, not just team-mates,” said Richards.

“The fans, too, have also been really supportive to me and I really appreciate that. There can be more pressure on you to deliver for your local club, but they got behind me and they can be the best fans to have when you’re in need of a lift.

“I really wanted to show the supporters my true quality, but I feel that I gave everything for this club in every game that I played.

“I need to play regularly and that’s why I had to leave. I believe I can blossom at Fulham — the club has everything needed to make a return to the Premier League.

“I’ve experienced two Championship promotions already with the Swans and on loan at Crystal Palace — hopefully I can make it a third this season with Fulham.

“Earning promotion with Fulham and seeing Swansea succeed again would be perfect for me.”

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