Nahki Wells has quashed rumours that he will return to Bradford City after announcing he is to leave Bristol City at the end of the month.

Wells has been linked with a return to his former club in recent weeks as his contract at Bristol City ran down but the Bermudian forward may feel he has more to offer at a higher level as he played down chances of that move.

“There’s absolutely no truth in that,” Wells told The Royal Gazette on Monday as news broke of his impending departure from City.

The 35-year-old expressed his desire to remain at Bristol City and held talks over a new deal to extend his stay at Ashton Gate. However, he will now depart the Sky Bet Championship club, who he joined in 2020 before going on to net 48 goals in 237 appearances for them across all competitions.

Wells opened his account on his full debut in a 3-2 win over Derby County and remained a consistent figure as City recorded four consecutive improved league finishes during his five-year stint at Ashton Gate.

Jon Lansdown, the Bristol City chairman, praised Wells’s professionalism and attitude on and off the pitch.

“I’d like to thank Nahki for everything he has given to Bristol City in his time here,” Lansdown said on the club’s official website.

“He has been an exceptional role model on and off the pitch, contributing significantly both to the first team and to the development of a number of our young players, and also helping the Robins Foundation to make a difference in our community. We wish Nahki all the best for the future.”

Wells is sad his time at City has come to an end and reflected on the strong ties he forged with many throughout his time at the club.

“Over the past five-and-a-half years, I’ve built a massive connection with so many people at Bristol City, from the staff at the Robins High Performance Centre and the fans at Ashton Gate to the many amazing people in the local community,” he said.

“We’ve created so many special memories that will live with me for ever. You’ve taken me in as one of your own and made my family feel at home from the moment I joined the club.

“The moment on the pitch at Ashton Gate finding out we’d made the play-off places is something I will never forget, celebrating something we worked so hard to achieve with the fans who backed us the whole way.

“I wish you all the best, up the City.”

Wells scored ten goals for City this season and provided four assists in 39 league appearances. He also helped the club qualify for the play-offs, which ended in a heavy 6-0 aggregate loss to Sheffield United in the semi-final.

He was also named the club’s Community Champion in May after being nominated by the Robins Foundation for his contributions to the local community.