Wilfried Zaha and Wan-Bissaka react to Joel Ward’s emotional Crystal Palace post
Wilfried Zaha and Adam Wharton were among those to react after Joel Ward’s message to Crystal Palace fans on social media.
Ward has battled a calf injury for much of the season and has rarely featured under Oliver Glasner, but his impact at Selhurst Park goes far beyond recent months.
Having joined from Portsmouth in 2012, the 35-year-old has spent 13 years with the Eagles, racking up 363 appearances, including 308 in the Premier League and making him the club’s all-time record appearance holder in the competition.
He signed a one-year extension last summer, but it’s now been confirmed that Ward will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the current campaign. The long-serving defender announced his departure earlier this week, drawing a wave of tributes from across the football community.
Among the current squad, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi sent heartfelt farewell messages, while the club’s official social media tribute prompted a flood of responses from both past and present players.
| Premier League statistics | Joel Ward |
| Appearances | 308 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Clean sheets | 71 |
| Goals conceded | 422 |
Joel Ward confirms Crystal Palace exit after 13 years at the club
The official Crystal Palace account posted a 13-minute video tribute to Ward, which the defender himself reposted, with the caption: “Joel Ward: a Life at Palace.”
The video featured highlights from Ward’s early days following his move from Portsmouth through to recent moments in a Palace shirt.
The post received a warm response from fans and players alike. Former Eagles such as Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka reacted with heart emojis.
Current players including Adam Wharton, Eddie Nketiah and Tyrick Mitchell also showed their appreciation by liking the tribute.
Man City lead race to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace
While Ward brought the curtain down on a 13-year spell at Selhurst Park, another Palace star may be set for a much shorter stay in South London.
Football Insider has revealed that Manchester City are now leading the race to sign Wharton ahead of several Premier League rivals.
Palace value the 21-year-old midfielder at upwards of £80 million in the hope of deterring interest this summer. However, Man City have maintained a long-standing interest for Wharton and view him as a long-term successor to Rodri.
Other top-flight clubs, including Tottenham and Liverpool, have also shown interest, but Pep Guardiola’s side now appear to have the upper hand.
Both clubs are set to face each other in the FA Cup final on 17 May, but it could also be an occasion that could also provide City with another chance to watch Wharton closely.