Iwan Roberts has been at Carrow Road for seven years

"Iwan was one that we thought long and hard about," said Norwich manager Nigel Worthington.

"It may also give Robbo an opportunity to add to his career elsewhere - perhaps look for a player-coach role."

The 35-year-old Welsh international has netted 94 goals in 303 games for the Canaries since his �850,000 arrival from Wolves in July 1997.

Roberts admitted he had "a gut feeling" he would not be offered a new deal, but has now set his sights on finishing the season with a Division One championship medal.

"I am a bit disappointed but I can totally understand where the club and the gaffer are coming from," said Roberts, who has already been linked with a player-coach role at Swansea City.

Iwan is a true Norwich City great Norwich boss Nigel Worthington

Worthington said the decision not to offer the club captain a new deal after seven years' service had been difficult, as he plans for life in the Premiership next season.

"He's had limited starts this year, but it's not about me, it's not about Iwan Roberts, it's about Norwich City Football Club and trying to keep the club going forward," Worthington added.

"As for the timing, that was geared towards the last game of the season and it is only fitting for him and the supporters to be able to say their farewells under such great circumstances - the promotion scenario.

"Iwan is a model professional who conducts himself with dignity on and off the pitch and his goals have been crucial to the club - he is a true Norwich City great."

While admitting it would be a wrench to leave Carrow Road, Roberts said that he was looking forward to a fresh challenge in "new pastures".

"It's been a pleasure to play here. I've felt more at home here at this football club than I have anywhere else in my career and I know it's going to be very emotional for me on Saturday," Roberts added.

I have a tear in my eye. The man has been a legend. From Huckerby's Left Little Finger Have your say on 606

"The fans have always been fantastic with me since I first came and I'd just like to thank them for all the love that they've shown me over the years."

Reserve-team goalkeeper Paul Crichton is also being released after three years at the Norfolk club.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa striker Peter Crouch has admitted a move back to Norwich would be his first choice should he not feature in Villa Park boss David O'Leary's long-term plans.

"Things are going well for me at Villa at the moment, and obviously I hope that continues," said Crouch, who spent three-months on loan at Carrow Road earlier this season.

"But you never know what is round the corner... if I did ever decide to move on, Norwich City would be my number-one choice."