Adam Lockwood departed yesterday after 18 months with the football club and he spoke of his great memories during his stay.
The experienced defender was brought to the club by former manager Lee Johnson and he played a key role in keeping Latics in Sky Bet League One in the 2013/14.
He scored two goals in his 31 appearances for Latics and he admitted the football club helped rekindle his love for the game.
He said: "People say you get to 30 and your career starts to dwindle down but it rejuvenated me as a footballer. At one stage it really gave me a sense of purpose and I got the love back that I had when I was a kid.
"I enjoyed coming to work everyday and helping the club trying to progress. I wish we could have done better and gone higher up but I would just like to thank everyone connected with the club.
"The people I have met since being here have been great with me and my family and welcomed me with open arms.
"I look forward to my path and the club will look forward to the direction that they are going in."
The 33-year-old suffered a long-term injury during pre-season last year which hampered his time at the club.
"I was feeling good at the time of the injury but it's part and parcel of the game," admitted Lockwood.
"I managed to focus and get myself back. There was a time when I thought I might not be able to get back but I always had belief that I could do it.
"I came back and hopefully added value to the team at the back end of last season and I did my job."
After Johnson left the football club in March, Dean Holden and Lockwood were handed the managerial reigns until the end of the season and that is something which he really enjoyed.
"It was challenging under the circumstances but I'll forever be grateful to be involved helping the club. I'd like to think I gave my all in that time, and combining it with being a player, it was invaluable for me.
"It will help me and hopefully I helped the club in that department as well."
The club would like to wish Adam all the best for the future.
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.