'Only those close to me know...' - Everything Pierce Charles has said - from Sheffield Wednesday thank yous to City pride
Pierce Charles has bid farewell to Sheffield Wednesday, thanking the club and the supporters for their role in the early stages of his promising career.
Charles completed a move to Manchester City on Friday morning, going on to join Queens Park Rangers on loan in the Championship for the 2026/27. The deal, which is worth a guaranteed £3m, could rise to £10m in time - and ultimately become Wednesday’s biggest ever sale.
The 20-year-old, who has now established himself as Northern Ireland’s number one, took to social media after his Hillsborough exit to praise all of those involved with the Owls, but also spoke to the City and QPR websites as well.
Here’s what he had to say:
To Sheffield Wednesday…
“Thank you, Owls. I can’t put into words how much the last five years have meant to me, and as it’s time to move on to a new chapter. I wanted to come on here and express how grateful I am to the club that gave me a chance when no one else was willing to.
”I couldn’t have asked for a better extended family, which is why last season hurt so much. I’m absolutely gutted by the way it played out and the circumstances we found ourselves in. I have loved playing for this club and experiencing the passion you all have for it. It’s been truly special to be part of this team and to make my transition into men’s football here.
”I want to say thank you to everyone I’ve come across during my time at the club, both in the first team and the academy. To the coaches, players, backroom staff, and everyone associated with the club - thank you. The lessons I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made here have been invaluable, and they will stay with me for life.
“Only those close to me know what this club did for me not only on the pitch but off it aswell… Finally, to the fans: your support has been massive. You are what makes this club. You’ve driven us on through the toughest of times, and for that I’ll always be grateful.
”I want to wish the club all the very best for the future, and I hope you return to where you belong. All the best, Pierce.”
On joining Manchester City
“To be back at Manchester City is a very special and proud moment both for me and my family. I know first-hand what a special club City is and I am so excited about looking to the future.
“City take the development of young players very seriously so I know that my loan to QPR will only help me grow and improve as a player too.
“I’ll now give everything I can for a successful season in the Championship before hopefully returning to Manchester a better goalkeeper.”
To Queens Park Rangers
“It fits my stage in my career right now. With the squad as well, it looks like a promising squad, plenty of young players, and when I played here last season, the fans showed me how loud and how good the atmosphere can really be…
“Experience is the best thing ever. The coaches used to tell you that when you were younger, and you used to half-believe it, but when you start playing, you truly do believe it.
“There’s nothing better than playing games, especially when you’re young. I would like to think of myself as an all-round goalkeeper… I think my super strength is probably the ball at my feet.
“I feel like last season, with how tough the season was for me and the team, I thought I showed that I can also make saves and deal with the usual goalkeeping stuff as well… I just hope I can give you what you want, and hopefully the team as well, and we can push on to do great things this season.”
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