Christophe Berra to leave Hearts at the end of the season

The Jambos defender willl leave Tynecastle after more than 250 appearances for the club

Published 29th Mar 2021

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has begun his summer clear-out after deciding Christophe Berra will move on.

The Scottish Championship leaders announced the news 48 hours after following up their shock Scottish Cup defeat by Brora Rangers with a home loss to Queen of the South.

A club statement read: "Christophe Berra will leave Heart of Midlothian at the end of the season.

"Following discussions with manager Robbie Neilson it has been decided that the 36-year-old will be free to move on to another club when his contract expires in June.''

Neilson gave a strong indication after last week's defeat by the Highland League club that he would move on "remnants'' of Hearts' relegation season in the summer.

It is the second time in little over a year that Berra has had to face up to the end of his second spell at Tynecastle.

The former Scotland defender was told he was no longer needed by previous boss Daniel Stendel and joined Dundee on loan in January last year, before returning following the arrival of Neilson.

Berra has made 263 Hearts appearances during 11 years of service with the club over two spells.

Neilson told the club's official website: "I've been fortunate enough to play alongside Christophe as well as manage him and he has been a great servant to this club.

"You don't play more than 250 first-team games without being a top player and there will be an opportunity for him to add to that number before this season is out.

"He'll remain focused and continue to give his all as we look to get the Championship title clinched, then we can look back and appreciate all that he has done for this club.''