22 July 2023 , 18:09
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Robbie Savage has hailed son Charlie for going "one better than me" as the youngster prepares to leave Manchester United.
Both men came through United's academy, with Robbie part of the famed 'class of 92'. However, while the Welsh international was never handed a first-team opportunity by Sir Alex Ferguson, Savage junior made his bow under Ralf Rangnick in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old won't be part of United's squad going forward, though, with a move to Reading now official. He confirmed his departure in an emotional farewell letter, prompting his father to remind him how far he has already come.
"Today marks the end of my time at Manchester United," Charlie's letter begins. "For the past 15 years I have had the privilege to call Manchester United my home.
"I joined the club as a boy, aged 5, and am leaving, aged 20, forever grateful to every single person who has helped me to this date. From the kit and kitchen staff, coaches and every single person who has had a hand in my journey, thank you. There are too many people to name personally.
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"To make my debut for the first team at Old Trafford in the Champions League was the proudest moment of my life so far, fulfilling a childhood dream. Playing that one game for the club was more than I ever expected, and I feel proud to be leaving having achieved that, capping it all off by captaining the team vs Leeds last week really was a fairy-tale ending."
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Charlie Savage's final Man Utd appearance came in a friendly against Leeds (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)"To be one of only a few people to represent the club all the way from U9's to the first team is something I will forever hold close to my heart," he continued. "I feel like now is the perfect time for me to leave on my own accord and pursue the amazing opportunity that is in front of me.
"I will always support the club and I will be back at Old Trafford to support the team soon. Once a red, always a red."
Savage confirmed his Reading move not long after, revealing he has signed a four-year deal with the Royals. There was still time for Robbie to joke about the mystery over his next step, while sending his son an important message.
"You acheived your dream , you went one better than me , you went 1 better than thousands with the same dream through desire and dedication," he wrote. "Where you going by the way."
Charlie Savage's Man Utd debut came against Young Boys at the same time as fellow youngster Zidane Iqbal, who completed a move to Utrecht earlier this summer. The Iraqi international was among the first to comment on the post confirming the Reading switch, writing "Good luck bro".