08 May 2023 , 13:39
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Love Island finalist Tom Clare has announced he is leaving Macclesfield after starring on the popular reality TV show.
Former Premier League midfielder and Mirror Football columnist Robbie Savage is Macclesfield's director of football and has been heavily involved with the club since it was reborn in 2020 after Macclesfield Town were wound up by the high court. Clare joined the club in 2021 and his contract was due to run until 2024.
However, after appearing on Love Island earlier this year with the club's blessing, Clare has decided to move to London so he can pursue the new opportunities Love Island has afforded him. And the striker took to social media to announce his departure from Macclesfield, penning an emotional message to the club, fans, players, Savage and owner Robert Smethurst.
Clare wrote on Twitter: "Where do I start… this club has been right behind me throughout everything, the most I've ever enjoyed my football has been at this special club, the good times are unmatched and we've created memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.
"The decision for me to leave has been my decision and has been so tough, but now in my life, there's just too many opportunities that I just cannot turn down and moving down to London plays a huge part in that.
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"To @robbiesavage8 and @smethurst1 I thank you both for being there for me no matter what and for doing things off your own backs to help me is something I will never forget, two of the most passionate, genuine guys I've ever met, you guys deserve the best.
"To the fans, I thank you for shouting my name week in, week out, and getting the stadium bouncing every single game, you fans have been through a lot but the only way is up! keep supporting the lads and I will come to as many games as I can.
"Football is my passion and has been in me since I could walk, I don't see it as a job. For the time being, I'm taking a step back to focus on other things, but I will never quit football and will keep myself in the best possible shape throughout all of this, @thesilkmen Thank you.
"To the lads, I will miss the banter on and off the pitch you're a top set of lads and it's been one of the best changing rooms I've ever been in, I wish you all the best in your careers!" On the show, Clare coupled up with Samie Elishi but they later broke up.
Macclesfield always knew that success on Love Island could spell the end of Clare's time at the club, with Savage admitting: "How am I qualified to stop a young man taking on a potentially life-changing experience? Tom is a fit lad and it could be his gateway into modelling, gym equipment, TV appearances... anything.
"If he does well on Love Island, he could earn 20 times his current annual income in a single year. Who am I to deny him the opportunity to make life-changing sums of money?"