The Shrimps can confirm that Aaron Wildig has departed the Club following the expiration of his contract.
The 30-year-old was offered a new deal by manager Derek Adams at the end of the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One season, but the midfielder decided not to take up the option.
Wildig joined the Shrimps in March 2015, initially on a two-month loan deal from Shrewsbury Town, before signing on a free transfer that summer.
He made his final appearance for the Shrimps in the last fixture of the 21/22 League One campaign, at home to Sunderland AFC on 30 April.
During his time with the Club, Wildig made 248 appearance in all competitions, scoring 25 goals.
The midfield maestro made his debut for the Shrimps in a 1-1 draw with Carlisle United on 21 March 2015, and scored his first goal for the Club on the final day of that season, in a 3-1 win over Southend United.
He scored the only goal as the Shrimps recorded their first-ever Football League win against Lancashire rivals Accrington Stanley, in the opening month of the 2015/16 League Two campaign.
Wildig played a big part in helping the Club steer clear of relegation in that game, at the Ricoh Arena, on the final day of the 2017/18 season.
He scored 10 goals in the Shrimps’ promotion winning season, which included the first goal back in front of fans at the Mazuma Stadium after the Coronavirus pandemic.
Towards the end of the Club’s first-ever season in Sky Bet League One, Wildig captained the side and, under the stewardship of Derek Adams, played a huge part in keeping the Shrimps in League One for another season.
Following his departure from the Club, Wildig said: “I am gutted to announce that I’ll be leaving the Club this summer. It has been a tough few weeks deciding if I can make it work but having lived in Lancaster for seven years, the time is right to put my girlfriend and little lad first and move closer to my family.
“I have loved every minute at the Club, from the Chairmen, football staff, academy staff and people working behind the scenes, you won’t meet a better bunch of people. I have loads of great memories, Wembley, Coventry, scoring the Play-Off goal with the fans back in for the first time.
“I am grateful for the Club and managers I’ve worked with, giving me the opportunity to do it. Thank you for the support over the years, through the good and the bad times, on the pitch you’ve always been so loyal, and that is what makes the Club so special.
“Having spent seven years at the Club and going through the highs and lows, you don’t just end up a player, you become a supporter and that will continue, I wish the Club every success in the future.”
