Adam Wharton has said an emotional goodbye to Blackburn Rovers after leaving to join Crystal Palace.

The midfielder's move to the Premier League Eagles was confirmed on transfer deadline day. The club say that the deal is a 'record sale', reported to be worth £22million in total.

Wharton signed a new five-year contract with Rovers on December 8 and whilst he was still expected to leave Brockhall at some stage, a move in January seemed premature.

Rovers resisted Palace's first offer but agreed a deal on Monday night. Wharton, a boyhood Rovers fan, will now test himself against the very best in England.

READ MORE: Rovers transfer deadline day LIVE updates

Wharton has been with Rovers since the age of six, his family are embedded in the club. Having made his Championship debut only 18 months ago, his rise and progression under Jon Dahl Tomasson has been meteoric.

Reflecting on his time in blue and white, Wharton paid an emotional farewell to Ewood Park, the supporters and everyone behind the scenes in the academy and first team.

“I’m a bit sad, in a way, because I didn’t think I’d be leaving so soon, if you'd asked me in the summer of last year," he told RoversTV.

"It's a good feeling at the same time. A new chapter in my life and a chance to play in the Premier League, which is something I’ve always wanted to do, so a bit of a bitter-sweet moment.

"It's all gone very fast. I didn't know what was going on most of the time, there was lots of back and forth, I left it to the clubs to sort it. I wanted to stay out of it and carry on as normal until it was certain.

“Leaving is definitely more difficult than I thought it would be. On Monday night, it hit me as I was walking off the pitch for the last time. I didn't think it would but it gets you. That’s football and I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve been here since I was six. I'll never forget Blackburn.

“I remember coming in after school on a Friday for the first time. I just came in, enjoyed myself and had fun, and I’ve been doing that every time I’ve stepped foot in the door since, so I’ve got nothing but good memories.

“I'm sad to go but it's the right time. I've basically been here all of my life. It's been a massive part in my career and my life. I wouldn't be the same without it.

"It’s been a dream come true to be in the first team and play at Ewood Park. Being here from so young and being a Rovers fan, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do really.

"To do that and more has been incredible From that first start at Blackpool, the fans have been great with me and you can feel that on the pitch, even though you try to focus on your game.

“The relationship I have with the fans means a lot. When they sing and chant your name, you get a little buzz inside and it just helps you kick on and keep going.

“Also the staff and the players, they’re a great set of lads, and they’ve made it so easy for me to come into the first team and to be able to do it alongside my brother, you probably couldn’t dream it to be honest."

Wharton impressed Tomasson in his first pre-season at the club. Rovers were short in central midfield and he took full advantage, cementing himself as a first-team player.

He committed his future with a five-year deal in 2022 and then again, signing long-term in December. Wharton's willingness to commit was a sign of his loyalty to the club, ensuring they got the maximum value for his talents.

In total, he made 51 appearances for Rovers, scoring four times for his boyhood club.

What made the Wharton breakthrough so special was the chance to share the Ewood Park turf with his brother. The pair even linked up, with Scott heading in Adam's free-kick against Nottingham Forest in 2022.

“As a kid, I never thought it was going to happen and for the majority of brothers it never does happen, so I’m extremely lucky and I start to realise more now how special it is.

“Having been here for so long, I’ll always be drawn to the club, I’ll follow them and I’ll watch as many games as I can. I’ll go back to being a fan like I used to be, so I’ll be watching from afar and cheering the lads on.

“Finally, I just want to say thank you to everyone – the fans, the staff, everyone at the Academy – and I’m sure I’ll see everyone again real soon. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about everyone at the club and I wish everyone the very best.”