The full page thank you add appeared in Monday's version of Plain Dealer.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas did not need an hour of television time to let Cleveland Cavaliers' fans know what he thinks of them. Instead, the former centre took out a full page thank you ad in the local newspaper.

In the ad, published in Monday's Plain Dealer, the man known as Big Z thanked the fans and city for the support he received while playing for the club. Ilgauskas added that Cleveland will always be his home, but asked for understanding as he chases his dream of a NBA ring.

Ilgauskas has signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Heat, joining teammate LeBron James in search of a title. The native of Kaunas, Lithuania played his entire NBA career in Cleveland before the move south.

Full version of the ad:

Dear Cleveland,

When I came to this country 14 years ago, I was a young man who barely spoke the language and had no idea what to expect of this great country.

As I look back on those early days, I realize how lucky I was to have grown up in a place like Cleveland. All of you have taught me the importance of family and friends; of pulling together to get things done; of loving your country.

I've never felt as proud as when I've pulled on the wine and gold and stepped onto the court.

I've tried my best to return that support by playing as hard as I could each and every game.

The decision to play for Miami was not an easy one to make for either myself or my family.

But as I enter the last few years of my career, I felt I owed it to myself and my family to chase my dream of winning an NBA championship.

I hope you understand.

I also hope you realize that Cleveland will always be home to me.

With love and appreciation,

Zydrunas "Z" Ilgauskas