Sunday was a day that will forever live in my memory.

The reaction from the fans, manager and the club was unbelievable and I cannot thank them enough for the send off they gave me. I appreciate it greatly.

It never stopped from the time I arrived at the ground until I finally went to bed that night.

Everything was great and we talked about it constantly.

In the evening we headed off for what was supposed to be a quiet meal with my wife and some friends but it turned out to be anything but!

As soon as we walked into the restaurant it was wall to wall City fans. Word seemed to get round within seconds and I could hear them saying ‘It's Goater, Goater's coming' and by the time I'd walked down the ten steps into the room they had broken into a song.

I was bombarded.

The waiters had to usher myself and my family through the kitchens, over a couple of rubbish bins, past the chefs, out through one of the side doors and into an area at the back of the restaurant.

They cornered a table for me and stationed a couple of guys close to us to stop us being rushed. In the end we let the fans come through in ones and twos. I didn't mind at all because I knew what it meant to them - it was a continuation of what had gone on throughout the day and I was more than happy to accommodate them.

As we were eating they continued singing songs and even sang to my wife ‘There's only one Mrs. Goater'! It was brilliant. If I didn't know any better I would think I had been set up.

After we left the restaurant we asked the cab driver to take us by Maine Road for one last time.

It might seem sad, and I don't know whether I was carried along by those who were with me at the time, but it just felt like the right thing to do. I have never been attached to a club like I have been to City.

We literally waved and said ‘goodbye'.

I slept really well and it wasn't until the next day that it dawned on me that it was over. Maine Road, the games, the buzz, the excitement, the thrill - it's no longer going to be there. It will have to be at another stadium.

So now I have to begin to look to the future and consider my options for next season.

I think it's important the fans know why I have taken the decision I have and why I intend to stick to it. I don't want to be a big name player who loses the passion and desire to play because I am restricted to a few appearances and am stuck in the reserves.

I don't want that to be my role within the team.

Nor do I would not want to be regarded as a player who is just happy to see out his contract.

That's no good to me and no good to Man. City and that's the reason why I must move on.

At the moment where I will end up is nothing but speculation. As far as I am aware no one has made an official approach to the club, which they must do as I am still under contract for another year and so until they agree a fee I am still a Man. City player.

The current financial climate is not favourable in England at the moment and that might have a bearing on who wants to buy me. All I can hope is that City are reasonable in what they ask for.