Fanendo Adi's time with the Portland Timbers has come to an end, but the forward got to write a storybook ending.
The Nigerian, reportedly on his way out of town after Saturday's game against the Houston Dynamo at Providence Park, came off the bench in the 75th minute in his final appearance for the club, and scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory.
While the team has not confirmed where Adi will be headed after the weekend, the news of his departure was effectively confirmed by head coach Giovanni Savarese after the match, where he took a few moments in the postgame press conference to thank Adi for his time with the club and wish him the best, something the striker reciprocated.
"Before we start with the questions, I wanted to thank Adi, for everything that he has done for this club. He's been a tremendous and important component of the growth of the Portland Timbers," Savarese began.
The manager turned to the player: "In the past five years, you've done so much in this club and we wanted to wish you well, we wanted to wish you the best. For me, I was proud to be able to coach you, and always you give me everything. So I wish you the best, I think the locker room will miss you, but we know everywhere you're going to be, you're going to do great.
"So again, thank you so much, Adi, and you've been amazing for this organization."
Adi responded with his own remarks.
"It's been an amazing five years," he said. "It's also a privilege to work with you. You taught me great things, there's always a lesson to learn from you. I'm very, very grateful and very thankful."
After thanking members of staff, media covering the team and the Timbers Army, Adi spoke of the growth he's experienced since joining the team in 2014.
"I must say I'm so thankful to the club for giving me the opportunity, and my family. I came as a young boy, but now I'm a grown man. On the pitch I've learned a lot and out of the pitch I'm now a man. There comes a time in your life when you move on, but Portland Timbers is always going to be a family to me and I'm just grateful for everything I've gotten from this organization."
Savarese jumped in with one more thank you.
"And thank you for giving us three points today!" he said with a grin.
