As had been rumoured for large chunks of the summer, in fact most of his Crystal Palace career, Steve Mandanda has left. The goalkeepers departure was confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Mandanda has returned to Marseille after just 12 months at Selhurst Park.
A statement on the Official Website read: ‘Crystal Palace can confirm that goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has left the club to re-join Marseille.’
Prior to his arrival at Palace on a free transfer last summer the French international, capped 24 times, had played most of his football in France for Marseille.
Mandanda had made close to 450 appearances during his first spell at the Stade Velodrome. However, during his season at Selhurst the shot-stopper, who couldn’t dislodge the eventual undisputed number one Wayne Hennessey, was limited to just nine Premier League appearances for Palace.
The Frenchman failed to feature at all under former boss Sam Allardyce after suffering a knee injury last November – his desire to return to France hasn’t changed and Frank de Boer has allowed Mandanda to move on.
Palace’s statement added: ‘Everyone at the club would like to thank Steve for his efforts and wish him the best in the future.’
