James McClean and his family have revealed they are "relieved" to have finally left England after the Irish winger spent 15 controversy-ridden years in the Football League.
His wife, Erin, revealed that her 36-year-old husband has agreed to a move from Welsh club Wrexham to his hometown club, Derry City, meaning the family will leave their home in Cheshire.
Since his arrival in England in 2011, McLean has been accused by fans of disrespecting veterans over his decision, sparking fury.
The player's reasons surround the town of Derry, which was the location of the infamous 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, in which British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march, killing 14.
He believes the poppy commemorates all British military activity, not just the soldiers of the World Wars.
His wife that they were "closing the door" on the abuse.
She said: "There's a huge sense of relief.
"But to be fair, the last few years, being at Wrexham and Wigan, they have been two fantastic clubs to deal with in regards to how they've always supported us and had our backs.
James McClean has previously made it clear he'll never wear a poppy
| GETTYShe told the BBC: "It has gotten easier the last few years, but moving home will just take it to a different level." It's a mixture of emotions, we are so excited to get home. It's something we always wanted to do is settle back. It's just happened a bit quicker than we anticipated.
"We have built a life here for 15 years and made great friends, so we are sad but also excited. Pulling the Derry top on again and listening to him in the press conference and stuff, like after, we went out for food and were just walking along the quay and I just couldn't stop smiling.
"I said: 'Oh my God, this is it, this is going to be our normal again doing things like this.'
"You miss out on so much being away, weddings and family get-togethers and stuff, knowing now going forward that we'll not have to miss out on anything like that, that's the stuff that means the world to us."
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James McClean is leaving England
| PAMcClean has made almost 500 appearances in the English league and cup system and married his wife in 2016, living in Cheshire with their four children.
He spent five seasons in the Premier League with Sunderland and West Brom.
Sunderland were forced to issue a statement saying it was the player's choice not to wear one.
Last year, James spoke to Irish media about the reasons behind his decision, describing the issue of the poppy as "a pain in my a**e"
James McClean believes the poppy represents all British military operations rather than solely honouring those who died in the World Wars | PAHe said: "I was getting death threats, people were saying he should be shot and dragged across the Cenotaph.
"I could have easily just said, "I'll wear a poppy," and sold myself out and be known for my football or I'll not wear a poppy and be known as that but I've stayed true to myself.
"Six of seven people from the Creggan estate (where he grew up in Northern Ireland) died on Bloody Sunday that day so for me to wear a poppy in support of the people who carried out those atrocities...
"It frustrates me how people can't see that. How is it even a debate of why I should wear the poppy?"
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