Picault: ‘I came to play in the city of brotherly love, and you became my home’

News of Fafa Picault’s trade to FC Dallas on Tuesday officially marked the end of an era for a charismatic fan favorite who built a passionate following among the Philadelphia Union fanbase during his three seasons in Chester.

The news wasn’t completely unexpected — his contract was set to expire at the end of the year and his skillset as a speedy winger was better suited for the old system under Sporting Director Earnie Stewart — but it still was met with well wishes and scores of messages being posted online of favorite memories by an appreciative fanbase.

Picault posted a farewell message of his own on his Instagram emblematic of how mutual the feelings were between the 28-year-old and the fanbase.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling as I say goodbye. I will miss you all dearly, from Talen Energy, to Old city, north/south philly, Chester, and the suburbs. I came to play in the city of brotherly love, and you became my home. I gave you my heart, my passion, my body, my soul, and you returned the love. To Jim Curtin, thanks for allowing me to be myself on and off the pitch, and for making sure I was ok in probably the hardest moments of my personal life. Special thanks to the staff, my teammates, and everyone (no one excluded) that helps the club function daily. I know now that it’s best for me to move on, and I’m beyond excited to get the show on the road in Dallas. A new chapter in my journey, that I’m ready to conquer. God bless you all. Until next time Fafadelphia!”

The Union will be getting back $300,000 in guaranteed general allocation money for 2020 and up to $75,000 in general allocation money for 2021, which may be another signal that Sporting Director Ernst Tanner is teeing up a marquee signing or two, but the gazelle’s shoes will be difficult to fill.