AP photo Tom Brady announced today he is leaving the New England Patriots.

Tom Brady announced on Twitter this morning that he is leaving the New England Patriots, and in doing so thanked the fans of the region.

“I don’t know what my football future holds,” he wrote as part of a good-bye to New England fans, “but its time for me to open a new stage for my life and career.”

It’s not kown where he will play – Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Chargers have been mentioned – but the QB, who turns 43 in August, with six Super Bowl championships will not be playing for the Patriots going forward after 20 years.

Reportedly, there were no substantive negotiations between the Patriots and Brady, and he will officially become a free agent at 4 p.m. Wednesday. But during the NFL’s legal tampering period, he can negotiate with teams.

Brady’s statement read as follows:

“I wanted to thank you to all the incredible fans and Patriots supporters, MA has been my home for 20 years. It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England.

“The support has been overwhelming – I wish every player could experience it. My childeren were born and raised here and you always embraced this California kid as your own. I love your commitment and loyalty to your teams and winning for our city means more than you will ever know. I can’t thank you enough for the support of our team. The packed training camp and sold out stadiums and mostly the victory parades. I have been so blessed to share them with you all. I tried to represent us always in the best and most honorable way, and I fought hard with my teammates to help bring victory and triumph even in the most dire situations. You opened your heart to me, and I opened my heart to you. And Pats Nation will alsways be a part of me.

“I don’t know what my football future holds but its time for me to open a new stage for my life and career. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will always love you and what we have shared – a lifetime full of memories.”

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