SAINTS players have posted messages thanking Nicola Cortese as he leaves the club.

Luke Shaw tweeted to his 124,000 followers his gratitude for everything the former Saints supremo did for him.

He said: "Gutted with that news, but would just like to thank Nicola Cortese for everything he has done for me and the club! All the best to him!"

Meanwhile, defender Dejan Lovren, who joined the club in the summer, posted: "Thank you Nicola Cortese for everything . #respect"