John Ruddy has announced his departure from Birmingham City following their relegation from the Championship. 

The popular former Norwich City goalkeeper has elected for pastures new at the end of his Blues contract despite an offer from the League One club to remain at St Andrew's. 

His final game for Birmingham actually came against Norwich on the final day of last season, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory, but it wasn't enough to retain their second-tier status. 

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Ruddy's future subsequently and he has been linked with a reunion with former boss John Eustace at Blackburn Rovers as well as Charlton. 

Ruddy formally announced his departure via his social media platform on Thursday morning. 

"I would just like to say thank you," the ex-City keeper wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to all of you Bluenoses that made me and my family feel so welcome at your wonderful club over the last two years.

"It didn’t end as any of us wanted to but I hope the one thing that you can say about me was I gave everything every time I pulled the shirt on. Sometimes it was enough and other times it wasn’t to be but it was a genuine privilege to play for your club.

"I wish the players, staff and fans nothing but success and as I’ve said previously I believe the club will get to where they want and should be! Good luck and thank you again. John and family."

He has been training locally alongside ex-City keeper Remi Matthews to maintain his fitness ahead of joining a new club this summer.

Ruddy made over 200 appearances during a successful spell at Norwich City.Ruddy made over 200 appearances during a successful spell at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Ruddy's family are still based in Norfolk with his son, Jack, part of the club's academy as a young goalkeeper. 

Now 37, Ruddy confirmed via a recent podcast appearance that he would be willing to travel in order to continue his career. 

Ruddy made 242 appearances during his spell at Carrow Road, earning an England cap whilst on the books at the club before departing in 2017 as part of Stuart Webber's refresh after his appointment as sporting director.