Colchester United defender, Magnus Okuonghae, has NOT been offered a new deal by the Essex club.

Okuonghae therefore leaves the Community Stadium, after a six-year association with the U’s – his contract expires this summer.

“I must say thanks for all the support over the years,” explained Okuonghae.

“Colchester will always have a big place in my heart as it has played such a big part in my life.

“I wish them every success in the future.”

Centre-half Okuonghae first arrived at Colchester, from Dagenham & Redbridge, in the summer of 2009 when Paul Lambert was at the helm.

He played 215 games for the U’s, although last season was ruined by a serious injury – he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the latter stages of a home defeat to Coventry.

Current U’s boss, Tony Humes, said: “Magnus has been an excellent servant to the club and has been club captain.

“It was a difficult decision to let him go, especially with the serious injury he sustained, but with the direction in which the club are going, it was felt that it would be in both parties’ interests for Magnus to seek his football future elsewhere.

“As a player and a person, he served the club well and we wish him all the best wherever he goes next.”

Okuonghae began his career at Rushden & Diamonds in 2002. He went on to play for Aldershot, St Albans City and Crawley, before moving to Dagenham & Redbridge in 2007.

It was with the Daggers that Okuonghae made a name for himself, which led to the U’s securing his services when he became a free agent in July, 2009.

The 29-year-old was only four short of reaching the 200-league appearance landmark for the U’s.

See tomorrow’s ‘East Anglian Daily Times’ newspaper for a full interview with Magnus Okuonghae, following his departure