LIONEL AINSWORTH has bid an emotional farewell to Motherwell and their supporters after agreeing to join Plymouth Argyle.

It was announced yesterday that a deal to extend his stay at Fir Park had been rejected leaving him free to join Derek Adams' side in Devon.

Manager Stephen Robinson had spoken about wishing to hold on to the former Derby County man, but the terms on offer were reluctantly knocked back by the Well winger.

Ainsworth was first brought to Motherwell by Stuart McCall back in 2014 after struggling to settle at over 10 clubs earlier in his career. He found home in Lanarkshire.

A fans' favourite due to some important - and spectacular strikes - it was with a heavy heart Ainsworth decided he had to move on.

Speaking exclusively to SportTimes, the 29-year-old said: "It's so hard to leave.

"I was settled there, I had my daughter there, I got engaged there. It all came about because Stuart McCall brought me in and allowed me to express myself.

"Fortunately I was able to go out and show what I could do and it was great to make the fans and the club want to keep me.

"I was really happy with that and my family were, too. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Motherwell. The club have been great to me, the fans have been brilliant. They are the best I've ever come across. The reception they gave me throughout my time is something I'll always remember.

"I can't thank them enough. It's been absolutely amazing."

In the last year or so, Ainsworth's run in the Motherwell team became limited both under Mark McGhee then Stephen Robinson, his role often reduced to that of an impact sub from the bench.

It was a duty he performed admirably in what turned out to be his last home game at Fir Park as he scored a stunning free-kick to help see off Kilmarnock and secure Motherwell's safety.

Just as important, he also bagged a goal in each leg of the Premiership play-off two years ago to keep the Steelmen in the top flight.

"There have been a few highlights," added Ainsworth. "It's got to be staying in the Premiership and how we've managed it.

"You never want to be down there in a dog fight but if I had to choose to beat Rangers and this situation to win two games in a row, it was the right way to do it.

"I've scored a few goals for the club and everyone is special in its own way. The Hamilton goals when we played them at home and the Rangers goals will live with me for a long, long time."

In three seasons at Fir Park, Ainsworth made 138 appearances in the Scottish Premiership and cup, including the Europa League, scoring 27 goals and assisting another 29.

Yesterday a message from the Motherwell Twitter account read: "Lionel Ainsworth has informed the club he won't take up our offer & will instead join @Only1Argyle. Good luck Lionel, thanks for everything."