STOKE fans have paid emotional tributes to Steven Nzonzi and Lewis Baker after the club confirmed both players will leave this summer.
The Potters announced on X that the midfield pair will depart following the expiry of their contracts.
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Some fans have been left puzzled by Baker’s impending departure Credit: Getty
Big things were once expected of Baker at Chelsea, but he never quite established himself as a first teamer Credit: AFP
Nzonzi has been a great servant for Stoke Credit: Alamy
Veteran midfielder Nzonzi is set for another new challenge Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
A club statement read: “The Club would like to place on record our appreciation to Lewis Baker and Steven Nzonzi, who will leave Stoke following the conclusion of their respective contracts.
“Baker, 31, departs after five seasons in ST4, during which he started 92 Championship matches, 14 of which came during the 25/26 campaign.
“Nzonzi, meanwhile, made 31 appearances last term, 17 of which were starts, after returning to the Club in August, a decade on from starring for the Club in the Premier League.
“Both players leave with our very best wishes for their future careers.”
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The news sparked an emotional reaction from supporters online – particularly over Baker’s exit.
One fan wrote: “Both are f****** legends in my eyes.”
Another posted: “Why Baker? Absolutely gutted!! Madness.”
A third added: “We are gonna regret letting Lewis Baker leave.”
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Nzonzi lifting the World Cup in Moscow eight years ago Credit: Getty – Contributor
While another supporter claimed: “Some Championship club is going to pick Baker up and he’s going to be class for them 💯.”
Not all fans agreed, though, with one replying: “Baker five seasons of which we have been s**** in those five seasons… never really shone… one good performance every five or six games… time to move on.”
Another added: “Love Bakes but right time for him to go.”
Baker joined Stoke on a free transfer from Chelsea in January 2022 and became a key figure in midfield.
He scored 30 goals in 130 appearances for the Potters during his spell at the club.
Nzonzi, 37, returned to Stoke last summer nearly a decade after first playing for the club between 2012 and 2015.
The French midfielder enjoyed a hugely successful career after his initial spell with the Potters, going on to win the World Cup with France in 2018.
Nzonzi even featured in the final against Croatia, replacing N’Golo Kante and playing the final 35 minutes plus stoppage time as France lifted the iconic trophy.
