HVALA ROBERT

One thing though, he wasn't the prettiest

Those were the days my friend, thank you for memories, we'll meet again are the sort of songs that spring to mind when you think of Robert Prosinecki and his brief, yet eventful stay on the South coast. With many in a mood to reminisce as is the case when the sun comes out for football fans, it is doubtful that any will be angry about the departure of Prosinecki - it will just be a case of keeping the memories so that you can tell your grandchildren that yes, you did, see Robert Prosinecki play for Portsmouth Football Club.

His arrival began as a whisper on the message boards, the sort of soft whisper that everyone is too scared to proclaim, incase they manage to mess up the deal and then one day he arrived, Milan's "gift to his people" - a gift that incredibly, Graham Rix wasn't too keen to take on board at the start of the season.

Prossie got his home debut against Colchester and much was made of his inability to chase or tackle. It seemed originally that many Pompey fans and players were dubious of the Croatian's arrival. This all changed in two games when Robert came of age against Grimsby and Crystal Palace. He was the conductor of an orchestra that was playing beautiful football. A true master with more twists and turns than a white knuckle ride at Alton Towers. Quite simply he was one of the best players ever to play at Fratton Park.

All fans will have a favourite moment of Prosinecki's magic - the most obvious being his hat trick at Fratton Park, where he quite literally rose the roof. His free kicks were something special, his passes visionary, his tantrums pure comedy and his speed of feet and thinking quite incredible. Fratton Park and Pompey will be a shadow of a their former selves without him.

A move to Grampus Eight proved too enticing for the player after one last pay day. A three year £7.5million deal was something none of us would refuse and were should feel honoured that Robert leaves with fond memories of his time at Pompey. He told the official site:

"I am sorry to leave Portsmouth, but I have an opportunity to go to Japan which I am excited about. My number one regret however is leaving the great supporters at Fratton Park. They will stay in my memory for a long time. I have enjoyed my relationship with the club and Milan. From the bottom of my heart I want to wish Pompey well and hope that the team can give the loyal supporters what they deserve next season with a lot of joy on the field".

The task now is for Harry Redknapp to try and replace Prosinecki - an impossible task considering he is one of the most talented playmakers of his generation but there is no doubt that Pompey will be missing a lot of spark without him.