Charlie Wyke, who ended his three-year tenure with Wigan Athletic, acknowledged that the club will always have “a special place for me.”
In the summer of 2021, the 31-year-old striker moved from Sunderland to Latics, where he finished first in League One with a winners’ medal.
But it was just part of the tale; in November 2021, the footballer had a heart collapse in Christopher Park during a training session, which almost lost him his life and made international news.
He was only able to recover with the quick intervention of club physician Jonathan Tobin and manager Leam Richardson. He was able to play again nearly a year later with the help of a pacemaker.
Wyke was voted Sky Bet League One player of the month after he scored five goals in his first five games this season.
But his contract with Latics was not renewed, and in January he was loaned out to Rotherham, where he reunited with Richardson.
Still, he claims to have nothing but good thoughts for himself and his family as he departs.
“To put it mildly, the past three seasons have been wild, but I am really honoured to have represented this team.
“I would especially like to thank everyone who supported me throughout the scariest and most trying time in my life. My family and I will always be appreciative.
“Since the day I arrived, I have had the honour of working with amazing people and making some very special friends. The entire team at the club has contributed to my return to the pitch.
“I will never forget what the club has done for me; the support I received from the players, staff, and supporters meant the world to me.
I have a special place in my heart for the club. I’m grateful. UTT stands for “Up the Tics.”
Wyke, who had previously played for Wimbledon, Kettering, Middlesbrough, Bradford, Carlisle, and Hartlepool, scored 15 goals in 57 games for Latics overall.
He has already been connected to moves to Bradford and Carlisle, two of his former teams, as well as Wrexham.
