Tyrone Mings had an emotional message for everyone associated with Ipswich Town after completing his big money move to newly-promoted Premier League side AFC Bournemouth – ‘thanks for everything’.

The 22-year-old arrived at Portman Road from non-league club Chippenham Town in December 2012 for just £10,000. Less than three years later – and with just 43 Championship starts under his belt – he has joined a top-flight club in a deal which could end up being worth as much as £10m.

The initial fee paid by the south coast club is £8m and, contrary to earlier reports, Town will receive the bulk of that up front.

Add-on clauses could see that rise further, while striker Brett Pitman (free transfer) and winger Ryan Fraser (season-long loan) were thrown in as sweeteners.

It’s potentially Town’s biggest ever sale, while Bournemouth have broken their transfer record.

“This club will always be close to my heart,” Mings told Ipswich Player. “Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor were the ones who gave me my opportunity in the Football League and they had faith in me when Aaron Cresswell moved on.

“It was a tough decision to leave because I’ve made life long friends here, but my focus is now down at Bournemouth and a new personal challenge.

“I’m going down there to work under a really exciting, young English manager who can hopefully help me continue my development.

“But it’s certainly going to be emotional to leave behind the fans and the players here, as well as the manager.”

Asked about how the deal came about, he explained: “I was in Barcelona at the time trying to get some training in and I got a call saying ‘you have to come back for a medical’.

“I came home that same morning, went straight down to Bournemouth and it got completed quite quickly. It was a little bit surreal. I didn’t have much time to take it all in. I still don’t think I have now.”

He continued: “Obviously the club will see it as a good deal, they got the fee that they wanted and a couple of players coming back in return, so I think they can be happy that.

“I had chats at the end of the season with the manager about leaving and he didn’t really want me to, but I guess everyone has their price and he didn’t want to stand in the way of me going to play Premier League football.

“Now I’ve got that opportunity it’s up to me to go and take it.”

He added: “I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more in terms of support I’ve had at Ipswich. The fans around town have been great.

“I’ve had quite a few messages, from the captain (Luke Chambers), Cole Skuse, Luke Hyam, Gerks (Dean Gerken). They’ve all just said ‘good luck, you deserve it, go and take your chance’

“I just want to say thanks really, thanks for everything. It’s been a steep learning curve for me, it’s not always been easy in terms of performances and results, but the fans have always stuck with me and the team.

“These are exciting times for Ipswich and I wish them the best.”