Last Updated: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:08
Middlesbrough have been linked with Crystal Palace frontman Shefki Kuqi who has confirmed he will be leaving Selhurst Park.
Kuqi's contract expires at the end of June and he will be on his way despite being offered new terms at the club, albeit on reduced wages.
Both Boro and West Brom have been linked with a move for the player who has blasted Eagles boss Neil Warnock for the way he was treated at the club at the beginning of the season when he was forced to train with the youth team.
He told the Advertiser: "Every player wants the support of their manager and that's something I never had.
"I was never truly backed by the manager - even at the end of last season when I was scoring goals. You want the backing of your manager in any job, but I never had it.
"When I was recalled last season I helped the club into the play-off zone. I scored a few goals, played a few games, but I got the elbow again.
"Then the manager asks me to turn the season around again. Towards the end I was given a run of games and then started scoring goals. Not to be disrespectful, if I played week-in, week-out I would score more goals than anybody.
"It really hurt when the manager made me train with the kids - and I never forgot that.
"But what hurt more than anything else was the lack of honesty from some people.
"In many ways training with the academy has helped me because I've come through stronger and as a result I've got clubs from all over the world offering me contracts.
"But I don't think a senior player should ever have to go through what I have.
"I could have easily strolled and just got paid but I'm not like that. I never think about money, I didn't think about money when I decided to leave Palace.
"When I started in Finland I wasn't even paid during my first two seasons. I just knew if I played to the best of my ability I would progress and the money would come.
"I'm doing my coaching badges at the moment and want to manage once I retire. One thing I will take from my time at Palace into my managerial career is how not to treat people."
He added: "It's a sad moment to leave any club you've spent a long period of time at. I've met some great guys at the club and I will definitely stay in touch with them.
"I'm not the type of person to turn my back on people just like that. But I'm a professional footballer and have to do what's best for me."