Some of Norwich City’s players have apologised to supporters following relegation, with younger members of the team pledging to learn from their brutal first season in the Premier League.

Youngsters linked with big-money moves Todd Cantwell, Max Aarons and Ben Godfrey were among the players from Daniel Farke’s squad to post a message on social media after a thoroughly disappointing campaign came to a close with a 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City on Sunday.

Cantwell, who scored seven goals in 40 games in all competitions to finish as runner-up in the Player of the Season voting behind Tim Krul, wrote: “It’s been a difficult season but a real learning curve. I’d like to thank everyone for the support I’ve received throughout.

“Personally it’s been a dream to play for my local team in the Premier League. I’m sorry we couldn’t keep the team up.”

The Dereham-raised midfielder’s England Under-21 colleague Aarons also congratulated academy youngsters Akin Famewo and Jordan Thomas on their debuts at the Etihad Stadium, posting: “Disappointing end to the season but a big, big learning curve and experience gained.

“Thanks for the support this season an congrats to the boys on their debuts, big futures ahead.”

While centre-back Godfrey, who captained the England U21s this season, said: “It’s disappointing to finish the season with another loss, but it’s been a season we can learn so much from. Thanks for the support.”

The academy products were joined by senior colleagues Marco Stiepermann and Mario Vrancic describing their pride at making their 100th appearances for the Canaries on the final day of the campaign, while acknowledging how difficult it has proved in the top flight.

“Even though it was a hard season for all of us, I’m grateful for every single game playing for this club,” Stiepermann posted on Instagram.

January signing Lukas Rupp, also joined in with the apologetic theme, writing: “A tough season is ending in relegation, a very disappointing result. I am feeling sorry for the entire club and all our supporters that we couldn’t reach our common goal to stay up.

“It‘s time to clear our minds, charge the batteries and look ahead positively.”