I’m so sorry to leave –– Evina

CEDRIC Evina insists his departure from Athletic is tinged with sadness and that personal reasons alone influenced his decision to turn down a new contract.

The 19-year-old full-back, who made 28 appearances for Paul Dickov’s team last season, revealed his desire to join a club closer to his family in London and Paris.

"It was a difficult decision to make and not one I made overnight. I gave it a lot of thought,” he said.

"I come from a big family and they have always been around me. And without them it has been hard and there have been times when I have been lonely.

"Manchester is a long way from home and I decided I wanted to be closer to my family."

Evina paid tribute to his former team-mates, Athletic fans and boss Dickov.

He added: “I have very good memories of my time with Latics as this is where my professional career kicked off.

"Everybody has been really good to me, the manager, players, staff and fans, and that made it even tougher for me as I have enjoyed my time with Latics.

"I had never played any league football before joining Latics and I feel I have improved greatly as a player and gained more confidence.”

Football League officials were today expected to announce a salary cap for npower League One.

The proposed scheme, approved by Athletic and already in place in League Two, would mean clubs can spend a maximum of 60-per-cent of their turnover in wages.