Manchester City youngster Luca Fletcher thanked his Reading coaches on social media after departing Berkshire for the treble-winners.

The 16-year-old was promised a professional contract with the Royals upon turning 17 in April 2024 but turned it down in favour of moving to Pep Guardiola's Citizens.

Reading are set to receive a compensation fee in excess of £600,000 and have a sell-on fee for if the teenager goes on to enjoy a glittering career.

READ MORE: Manchester City tempt away Reading FC youngster despite deal

At the club from the age of 11, the striker said on Instagram: "The end of a chapter, it’s been a pleasure to play for this club, Reading FC, for the start of my career. I would like to say thank you to all the coaches, staff and close teammates who have made me into the player I am today."

“Within our Academy are a totally devoted team who rightly take immense pride in developing young footballers, both as people and as players,” explained Academy Manager Michael Gilkes. 

“The role of our Academy has always been to provide a return on the investment. We hope that return comes in the form of young players featuring for our first team - scoring goals, making tackles, keeping clean sheets with the Reading crest on their chest.

""However, that return can also be represented by the might of Manchester City offering a significant sum for the services of a 16-year-old we have helped develop into a fine young footballer. We will proudly follow Luca’s continued path into professional football and we would all like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.”