FANS’ favourite David Dunn had to hold back the tears as he bade an emotional farewell to his beloved Blackburn Rovers.

Ewood Park stood as one to applaud one of the most talented players in Rovers’ history after he came off 76 minutes into Saturday’s 3-2 home success over Ipswich Town.

And Dunn, who was making his 378th and final appearance for the club he has dedicated most of his life to, admitted he came close to welling up when he saw his number go up.

“I nearly went but I managed to keep it all in,” said the 35-year-old midfielder, who will play his football away from Rovers next season after confirming last week that his contract would not be renewed in the summer.

“It’s a long time I’ve been here, 27 years in total and nearly 20 years as a full-time player, so it was always going to be emotional.

“But my time is something I have thoroughly enjoyed, even the lows, which make you stronger as a person and as a player.

“I’m totally overwhelmed with the support I’ve had over the last week and more importantly over the last 20 years.

“I’ll never forget that.”

Dunn was named captain on what was his first league start of the season and only his second start of the calendar year.

While he was disappointed not to score his 60th Rovers goal, the former England international was pleased with his performance.

“I fully believe in my ability,” said Dunn, who was part of the Rovers sides which won promotion to the top-flight in 2001 and the Worthington Cup one year later.

“I might not be able to run around and the do the same mileage as the other lads but I think I bring something else to the table and I think it showed today.

“I think that’s two starts and two wins (this year) and if only I’d have had a few more it might have been a bit different.

“I was desperate to score a goal but unfortunately it didn’t quite come off for me but I enjoyed being out there and I was overwhelmed with all the support the fans showed.”

Dunn told the Lancashire Telegraph last week that he would love to play for Rovers’ East Lancashire neighbours Accrington Stanley before he hangs up his boots.

But the League Two outfit are not the only club – in England and abroad – interested in signing him.

“I’ve spoken to a few people already, and talks are ongoing with different things, but it has to be right for me and my family,” said father-of-four Dunn, who was supported by his family on Saturday, including his biggest inspiration, his granddad David.

“I’m a little bit surprised as I thought it would be more July time when the interest started coming up.

“Hopefully a few were watching today and I’ve convinced them I can still play at this level quite comfortably.

“The aim is to play somewhere, whether it be Championship, League One, League Two or abroad.

“It’s going to simply be about where I’m going to enjoy my last few years as a footballer.”