Morgan Whittaker & Ryan Hardie send Finn Azaz message ahead of Plymouth Argyle, Middlesbrough switch | OneFootball

That spectacular volley against Watford turned out to be Finn Azaz's final goal in a Plymouth Argyle shirt.

Aston Villa recalled the Irishman from his loan in Devon and now a permanent sale to Middlesbrough is reportedly on the verge of being confirmed.

Argyle fans are devastated to be losing Azaz and on social media, a number of his teammates have also expressed their sadness alongside offering support for this next step in his career.

Whittaker and Hardie's goodbye

Argyle were embroiled in a back-and-forth affair at Home Park on New Year’s Day. The game finished 3-3 between the Pilgrims and Watford with a wealth of impressive goals scored in an entertaining start to 2024.

Azaz scored the first Greens’ goal with a masterful volley and his two teammates who also found the net are among those to respond to his departure as Villa have recalled the midfielder ahead of a reported move to Middlesbrough for a multi-million-pound fee.

Hardie and Whittaker are the duo in question, with the former writing: “Good luck wee man” and the latter adding: “Been a pleasure” respectively underneath Azaz’s post on Instagram.

This trio have been at the fore for Argyle, both in this Championship campaign and last year, as they won the League One title as well.

As shown above, Azaz and Whittaker lead the team in assists alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Luke Cundle on five.

On top of that, Middlesbrough’s latest signing also scored seven times in a team towards the foot of the Championship table.

The comments on Azaz’s post were flooded with positivity from a range of different people.

Numerous fans have paid homage to his brilliance, as have former teammates such as Kevin Ellison (Newport County), Seb Revan (on loan from Villa at Rotherham United), and Dom Telford.

Telford is another former Argyle player but it is across the border, with Newport, where the pair lined up alongside each other.

In terms of the current squad, the majority of the squad has shown their support for Azaz.

Some notable comments include goalkeeper Michael Cooper writing: “Some player, all the best mate”, captain Joe Edwards saying: “What a man and what a player” and fellow Villa loanee Kaine Kesler-Hayden using a sad face emoji.

Azaz pens a heartfelt farewell message

Azaz himself posted a montage of some of his best bits in the green and white of Plymouth Argyle, accompanied by a meaningful caption.

“The past 18 months really have been special. Thank you to everyone involved at @only1argyle I leave the club with nothing but fond memories.

“It has been a true honour and a privilege to be a part of and play for this football club.

“I’ve formed some amazing relationships and met some great people along the way, and wish you all the best for the future 💚.”

In 67 games for the club, the Irishman contributed 15 goals and 15 assists to the cause and he, of course, has a League One winners' medal to show for all of his hard work.

The player now has a chance to prove himself at an even higher level, with Middlesbrough in the hunt for promotion, whilst Argyle need to move on and potentially look for a replacement.