Bill Belichick's voice breaks as he says goodbye to New England at emotional press conference after 24 years in charge: 'I'll always be a Patriot... but for now, I'm going to move on'

Bill Belichick has said farewell to the New England Patriots at a short goodbye press conference on Thursday but strongly hinted that he will stay in the NFL.

Belichick gave a short statement at noon, hours after it emerged that his 24-year, six-time Super Bowl winning tenure with the Patriots as coach came to an end.

He appeared alongside owner Robert Kraft, who stressed that there was no animosity or tension involved in the parting of the ways.

‘I’ll always be a Patriot. I look forward to coming back here,’ Belichick said. ‘But at this time, we’re going to move on. I’m excited about the future.

‘There’s so many fond memories and thoughts. I will always be a Patriot, always very very appreciative of the opportunity and support here.’

Bill Belichick said goodbye to the Patriots at a short press conference on Thursday afternoon

Belichick appeared at the press conference alongside Patriots owner Robert Kraft

The 71-year-old Belichick appears set to continue coaching in the NFL with another team

Belichick, renowned for his composed and dry manner, appeared to choke a little as he addressed the Patriots fanbase that adores him.

‘Finally to the fans – the fans here are amazing, so many memories,’ he said. ‘The send-offs, the parades, the Sundays – seeing the fans away from here, wherever you bump into them, nd not just in New England but they extend nationally and internationally as I’ve traveled. It’s amazing how far.

‘So appreciative of the support they have given me and my family and the team.’

Owner Robert Kraft said: ‘Coach Belichick will forever be celebrated as an icon here in New England. He is the greatest coach of all time.

‘At heart, I will always be a sentimental sports fan. So this is an emotional day for me. Some of my happiest and most memorable moments were celebrated with my family during Bill’s time here.

‘I recognize it is an emotional day for many as it represents an end of an era, one that will always be celebrated in this region.’

Belichick is expected to continue coaching in the NFL rather than retire at the age of 71.

He has been linked this week to the vacant coaching role with Atlanta Falcons.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft hailed Belichick as ‘the greatest coach of all time’ on Thursday

And Kraft alluded to Belichick carrying on when he said: ‘I will always wish him continued success except for when he is facing our beloved Patriots.

‘Coach Belichick will forever be celebrated as a legendary sports icon here in New England, and I believe go in as a Pro Football Hall of Famer on the first ballot. Why? Because he is the greatest coach of all time, which makes this decision to part ways so hard.

‘But this is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time.’

Belichick departs after a 4-13 season with the Patriots that ended on Sunday with a home loss to the New York Jets.