The timing of Matt Grimes’ move to Coventry City was far from ideal from a personal as well as professional point of view.

The midfielder joined the Sky Blues in the week running up to Saturday’s match against Swansea City – the club he’d represented so outstandingly well for the last decade and against whom he, understandably, wasn’t allowed to play.

But in another twist of fate, the 29-year-old’s transfer to the Midlands came after he and his partner had recently bought what they thought was going to be their “forever home,” while his in-laws relocated from Essex to Swansea last week, to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law.

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Grimes wrote on Instagram on Friday night to share a message with supporters of his former club: “It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this. It’s something I certainly never thought I would have to do. Throughout my 10 years here I have been given a platform to create what is every young boy’s dream. I have made memories that I will cherish forever and I am so thankful for the love and support you have given me during that time.

“Swansea City will always have a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a football club to me and my family. Our three children were born here and it will forever be our home. Please get behind the lads and the manager, who in my opinion is the correct person to take your club forward.”

Grimes’s partner Angela James also shared a post to her followers on social media, revealing that she and Grimes had recently bought a new house in Swansea and that her parents had moved to the city to be nearer to the family.

“I haven’t got round to opening people’s messages and replying to them yet, because I think it’s still sinking in,” she wrote. “I honestly never thought this day would come. I never thought we would leave Swansea. I never thought Matt would leave Swansea. But here we are, and that, unfortunately, is football for you. Swansea holds such a special place in our heart. We completed on our forever home (in Swansea) this month and my parents have relocated (from Essex) to Swansea this week.

“This has all happened so quickly, I don’t think I’ve even had time to let it sink in. Swansea is more than just a club to me, it’s our home and where we hold so many memories. We have been so lucky to stay here and set roots and foundations. To the Swansea fans that have given us support and acknowledged Matt for his 10 years, thank you. I’m sorry it’s ended this way.”