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Stanton thanks Marlins, fans for support during 'unprofessional, circus times'

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Giancarlo Stanton is officially a member of the New York Yankees, but before he dons the pinstripes for the first time, he had to say goodbye to some old friends.

The reigning NL MVP took to Instagram on Monday to thank Marlins fans and the city of Miami for all their support during the first phase of his career, and he couldn't help but take a bit of a swipe at his former club as he left.

"Thank you to the Marlins organization (and) the amazing city of Miami," Stanton wrote. "The city that adopted me at 17 with open arms. ... I feel for (you) fans, you've stuck with me as we've shared some roller coaster years. I've always tried to be as professional as possible during the unprofessional, circus times there!

"...So for that I give thanks, I hope there are better days in Miami."

Thank you to the Marlins Organization & the amazing city of Miami! The city that adopted me at 17 with open arms. I’ve loved this place over the years and it will always be special to me. I appreciate All my teammates & coaching Staff that battled day in and day out I feel for u fans, you’ve stuck with me as we’ve shared some roller coaster years. I’ve always tried to be as professional as possible during the unprofessional , circus times there! Regardless of the Ups&downs, I’ve grown n learned a lot as a Person/Player. So for that I give thanks, I hope there are better days in Miami . The city & the people are too great not to be! Stay positive & much love ! ————————————— As for NEW YORK CITY !!! I am officially a YANKEE🔥🔥 I can’t wait to spark this new chapter in my life, & keeping it Lit 🗽

A post shared by Giancarlo Stanton (@giancarlo818) on

Despite the Marlins signing him to the richest contract in sports history before the 2015 season, the 28-year-old's relationship with the organization always seemed complicated. In 2013, Stanton famously took to Twitter to announce that he was "pissed off" shortly after the Marlins had traded several of his high-priced, All-Star teammates to Toronto in a blockbuster deal.

But Monday's Instagram post marks one of the first times Stanton - who departs Miami as their franchise leader in multiple offensive categories, including home runs - has taken somewhat of a direct shot at the Marlins over how the team was operated during his tenure.

Related - Jeter: Marlins traded Stanton to help 'fix something that is broken'

Stanton also turned the page in the same post, telling Yankees fans that he "can't wait to spark this new chapter" in his life.

The Yankees will formally introduce Stanton at a press conference Monday afternoon.

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