A cult hero at Manchester City has announced their departure after 15 years of service to the club.

Brandon Ashton, City’s kitman and one of the most popular figures within the dressing room, took to social media to share the news.

‘After 15 years at Manchester City I have decided to leave my role at the club to explore other career paths,’ Ashton wrote on Instagram.

‘I have had some great experiences, met some amazing people who I know will be friends for life.

‘For me and my family I feel it is the right time to start a new chapter, and see what new challenges I can be set.

Manchester City kitman Brandon Ashton has announced he would leave the club after 15 years

Ashton was an immensely popular figure behind the scenes at Manchester City – he has now revealed he will leave the club

The kit man formed strong relationships with City’s players during his 15 years at the club

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‘I will always hold Manchester City close to my heart as this club has brought me from a boy to a man. The memories I have over my time at City will forever be cherished.

‘I want to thank all players, management and back room staff I have worked with and also the fans I have had the pleasure to converse with over the years.

‘I wish the lads nothing but the best this season and in the future.’

Several of City’s current and past stars reacted to the news.

Jack Grealish posted: ‘Best guy ever!! You will be missed brother’.

Aymeric Laporte, who left City in 2023, said: ‘Thank you bro! All the best’.

Tosin Adarabioyo, who spent 17 years on City’s books before moving to Fulham, wrote: ‘The man!’

Cole Palmer also paid tribute in a rather unusual way: ‘B****cks chops’.

Matija Nastasic added: ‘Good luck and all the best my friend’.

Several past and present Manchester City players gave Ashton their will wishes on Instagram

Former Manchester City academy product Cole Palmer also paid tribute to Ashton in his post

During Ashton’s time at the club, Manchester City won every trophy possible under Guardiola

Most football fans became aware of Ashton’s jovial nature during the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary on City.

Ashton often played practical jokes with a number of City’s superstars that left them in stitches.

He also created somewhat of a tradition for himself by sliding across the floor in City’s dressing room in only his underpants whenever Pep Guardiola’s side won a trophy.

Ashton joined City as a 16-year-old and grew to become one of the most important and beloved figures behind the scenes.

Former City skipper Vincent Kopmany revealed just how highly regarded Ashton was among the playing group in the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary.

The former City kitman would sometimes enjoy nights out with some of the club’s stars

Ashton would celebrate City’s titles by sliding across the floor in his black underpants

‘Brandon is kind of the heart and soul of the dressing room really, he has this ability to take pressure off,’ Kompany said.

Kevin De Bruyne added: ‘I would say the players are more close to the kitman and physio. I’m very good with him, since day one. Sometimes, for me, it’s nice to be with someone who’s not a football person.’

City will look to send Ashton off with a win when they welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad on Wednesday in their first match of the Champions League.