FOUAD Bachirou has thanked Morton for the memories after sealing his switch to Swedish side Ostersunds FK.

Midfielder Bachirou signed for the Ton in the summer of 2010 and went on to spend four eventful seasons at Cappielow.

The 24-year-old was a member of sides that challenged for the Championship title and suffered relegation to League One.

He played in the shock League Cup victory over Celtic at Parkhead, became an international player with the Comoros Islands and even had a France-themed day staged in his honour.

Although he was keen to move on to pastures new, Bachirou says he will always be thankful to Morton for giving him his start in the game, and the club’s fans for their support.

He told the Tele: “I am so grateful to the fans, who have been behind me during my four years at the club. They supported me at every turn, during both the greatest and worst moments of my career. They helped me progress as a player. I would never have made it so far without their support.

“I really appreciate the club and will never forget that they gave me the opportunity to make my professional debut. It was where I grew up as a player, and as a man. I owe Morton a lot.

“It would be difficult to pick out just one favourite memory. The French day was just amazing.

“It is a feeling that I don’t think I will experience again anytime soon. It was the kind of feeling you might only get a couple of times in your life.

“Obviously the match against Dunfermline when I scored was a big game for me, and Celtic Park last season was a great feeling as well.

“I loved playing at Cappielow. That is something I’m really going to miss. Once again, I would like thank every Morton fan and Morton FC for all the great memories.” But Bachirou is sure it was the right time to move on and feels signing for Swedish second tier side Ostersunds was a way to further his career.

He said: “Billy Reid is the assistant manager here [at Ostersunds] and I know him from back in Scotland. He tried to sign me a few times when he was at Hamilton.

“He came to me with a project and said they are playing really good football and have a chance to get to the top league.

“Football-wise, they pass the ball. I like to pass the ball and like when my team has plenty of possession.

“I also played with Tomas Peciar at Morton and he told me good things about the club, so I was pleased to come here.

“I felt I had to do what was best for my career and I think this move will be good for my career.”