Hearts of Midlothian chairman Ann Budge has expressed her gratitude to Manchester City after selling their Australian midfielder, Chris Ikonomidis, to the Premier League club. The transfer is seen as a significant move for both parties, with Manchester City acquiring a talented young player and Hearts securing a decent sum of money. Budge stated that the deal has brought a sense of relief and closure to the club, allowing them to focus on their future goals.

The sale of Ikonomidis comes after a tumultuous period for Hearts, which saw the departure of several key players. However, Budge has emphasized that the club is committed to rebuilding and strengthening their team. The chairman has also acknowledged the role of Manchester City in facilitating the transfer, praising their professionalism and cooperation throughout the process.

Hearts are now looking to the future, with a renewed focus on developing their young players and attracting new talent to the club. Budge has expressed her confidence in the team's ability to bounce back from their recent challenges and compete at a high level in the coming seasons.

The transfer of Ikonomidis serves as a positive example of the relationship between Hearts and Manchester City, highlighting the potential benefits of collaboration and cooperation between clubs.