Crystal Palace take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final this Saturday.
Excitement is rife in SE25 ahead of a potentially historic day for the Eagles, who have already given the Citizens two tough games in the Premier League this season.
Crystal Palace were held to a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park after twice taking the lead, before going 2-0 up at the Etihad Stadium in April, only for Manchester City to eventually win 5-2.
Ahead of the showpiece event at Wembley, Crystal Palace have now made a significant announcement.
Joel Ward set to depart Crystal Palace
After 13 years at Selhurst Park, Joel Ward will leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires in June.
The 35-year-old has racked up 363 appearances in total for the south Londoners since his £400,000 move from Portsmouth in May 2012, and the news was met with responses from several Crystal Palace cult heroes.
Academy graduate Jonny Williams was one of the first to respond to the announcement on Instagram, writing “incredible achievement Wardy” to his old teammate, who he shared a pitch with 28 times.
Dwight Gayle also replied, calling Ward a “legend” while Jeffrey Schlupp, Joe Ledley and Wayne Routledge reacted to the update in the form of emojis.
Oliver Glasner already has a replacement for Joel Ward
The man from Emsworth has shone at right-back over the years for Crystal Palace, although he hasn’t been needed much of late due to the impressive durability of Daniel Munoz.
Ward has made just one Premier League appearance this season.
Joel Ward, a Palace legend.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/G9NRARjc5n
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 13, 2025
In reserve, Oliver Glasner – who Tottenham are monitoring – also has an exciting talent in the form of Caleb Kporha, so there is no need to spend money on a replacement for Ward this summer.
It will – however – be tough to replace the experience Crystal Palace are losing, as the final member of the 2012/13 squad who won promotion to the Premier League prepares to depart.
