FILIPE Morais has penned a heartfelt thanks to the supporters of Bolton Wanderers after signing a three-year deal with Crawley Town.

The winger – affectionately dubbed ‘The Postman’ during his time at the Macron for his unerring deliveries from wide positions – issued a statement from his Twitter account this morning to wish Wanderers good fortune in the Championship.

Morais played 46 times in 18 months for the Whites, scoring three times, and helping Phil Parkinson’s side secure promotion from League One and survive on the final day of last season.

“Sorry it has taken a while to give you all some feedback since news broke out of me leaving,” he wrote. “There’s a lot more to it than what is known, of course, which I am sure fans can already imagine.

“Plus, I wasn’t 100 per cent sure if I was gone or not until yesterday.

“I don’t really want to get into why, or how I am not still at Bolton as I think it’s distasteful and not my style. It is not my character to be negative about people or to look back on things with displeasure, and the club itself does not deserve that.

“I prefer to do the opposite and think about all the positive aspects of my time at Bolton, which takes me on to say a big thank you to all the fans. We shared some absolutely amazing moments. Your support towards me has been phenomenal, something that will live long in mine and my family’s memories.

“The way you all embraced me so quickly as one of your own was heart-warming.

“We have shared some of the best moments in my career and I cannot thank you enough for your unbelievable support during that period.

“I played every minute with immense pride to wear the shirt and I am very thankful to the gaffer for having given me the opportunity. To play for such a great club has been an honour and a pleasure and I wish the club and everyone associated the very best in the future.

“I am sure the club will continue to progress under the current management team if given the resources they need and take the club back to where it belongs in the Premier League.”

Morais has signed a three-year deal with Harry Kewell’s Crawley Town, where he joins former Bradford City team-mate Romain Vincelot in the squad.

“A wonderful chapter ends but another exciting one opens,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to my time at Crawley Town FC for the next three years at least.

“I feel my best years are ahead of me and that the club and me have come together at the perfect time for each other.

“The way the club have gone about securing my services has truly blown me away. I lot of other people and clubs made me offers in the UK and abroad and may be surprised. But regardless of a player’s stature, CV or experience, sometimes all a player wants is to feel wanted.

“On top of that, I love the current project at Crawley, the ambition at the club. I felt it suited me and excited me as a whole package.

“The gaffer and his assistant were also instrumental and seeing how they work and their professionalism over the last four weeks to bring me in has really impressed me.

“Alongside that the club and, board and owner played their part, of course, and tried to everything they can logistically to get me and my family relocated with as much ease as possible, which I really appreciate.

“I cannot wait to get started now and create some more successful memories.

“The hard work starts in what is a very difficult division.

“Thanks to everyone again for their kind messages and support since the news broke out. It’s amazing how much you care and I am truly humbled.”