Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has revealed that Yohan Cabaye decided to leave the club this summer because "he wanted a different challenge".

Cabaye spent three years with Palace - making over 100 appearances in all competitions - before signing a two-year contract with UAE club Al-Nasr earlier this week.

The 32-year-old left Selhurst Park following the expiration of his contract, and Parish has said that the midfielder has departed the Premier League club on positive terms.

"I spoke to Yohan and he explained he wanted a different challenge," Parish told Palace's official website. "We wish him all the best and thank him for his time at Palace. We had some great moments together and he will always be welcome back."

Cabaye has also represented Lille, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain during a professional career that started back in 2004.