Cole Palmer and Phil Foden send messages of support as Manchester City icon exits after 15 years at the Etihad Stadium | OneFootball

A number of Manchester City stars both past and present have sent messages of support to iconic club kit man, Brandon Ashton upon his exit from the Etihad Stadium.

Ashton is a hugely popular member of the Manchester City dressing room, often spotted in close conversation with many first-team stars, sharing jokes and laughter with the likes of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish.

Many supporters on social media will note that Ashton created somewhat of a tradition within the club by sliding across the floor in Manchester City’s dressing room in his underpants whenever Pep Guardiola’s side won a trophy.

Having first joined Manchester City as a 16-year-old and becoming one of the most important and beloved figures behind the scenes, the announcement of his exit from the club this month has been greeted by plenty of messages of support from notable figures within the game.

Writing in a heartfelt statement on social media on Monday, Brandon Ashton confirmed his exit from Manchester City and his role of first-team kit man after 15 years of service to the Etihad Stadium side.

“After 15 years at Manchester City I have decided to leave my role at the club to explore other career paths,” Ashton wrote. “I have had some great experiences, met some amazing people who I know will be friends for life.”

He continued, “For me and my family I feel it is the right time to start a new chapter, and see what new challenges I can be set. I will always hold Manchester City close to my heart as this club has brought me from a boy to a man.

“The memories I have over my time at City will forever be cherished. I want to thank all the players, management and back room staff I have worked with and also the fans I have had the pleasure to converse with over the years.

“I wish the lads nothing but the best this season and in the future. Brandon.”

Among the former Manchester City players to send messages of love and support to Ashton were Aymeric Laporte and Cole Palmer, as the former responded to his exit announcement with, “Thank you bro! All the best”.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Morgan Rogers, Kalvin Phillips, Nigel De Jong, and Matija Nastasic also sent their best wishes to Brandon Ashton, with latter writing, “Good luck and all the best my friend”.

Within the current Manchester City dressing room, Phil Foden said, “Will miss you bro”, whilst Jack Grealish sent his best wishes with the message, “Best guy ever!! You will be missed brother”, as the pair were known to have built a strong friendship within the club.

Stefan Ortega, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, and Jacob Wright also issued best wishes to the Manchester City icon.