Kraft, Belichick react to Brady's decision to leave Patriots

After Tom Brady announced he won't return to the New England Patriots in 2020, Robert Kraft expressed disappointment that the legendary quarterback will instead sign with a new team in free agency.

"Tommy initiated contact last night and came over," Kraft told ESPN's Mike Reiss. "We had a positive, respectful discussion. It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son."

Kraft and Brady always had a close relationship. While the Patriots owner appeared disappointed in the decision, he ultimately wanted his former player and friend to be happy.

"How do I possibly sum up the depth of my gratitude to Tom Brady for what he's given us these past 20 years, or the sadness I feel knowing it's ending?" Kraft said in a statement. "I love Tom like a son and I always will ... I had hoped this day would never come, but rather that Tom would end his remarkable career in a Patriots uniform after yet another Super Bowl championship. Unfortunately, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement to allow that dream to become a reality. While sad today, the overwhelming feeling I have is appreciation for his countless contributions to our team and community.

"There simply will never be another Tom Brady," he added. "I now look forward to the day we can bring him back home to New England to celebrate his Patriots career, his endless achievements and his legacy as the greatest of all time. I love him very much."

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also commented on Brady's decision, insisting the two will maintain a good relationship despite Brady moving on.

"Tom was not just a player who bought into our program," Belichick said. "He was one of its original creators. Tom lived and perpetuated our culture. On a daily basis, he was a tone setter and a bar raiser. He won championships in three of his first four years on the field and in three of his final six seasons with us, while competing for championships in most every season in between. This is a credit to Tom's consistency and what separates him. He didn't just perform. He didn't just win. He won championships over and over again.

"Tom and I will always have a great relationship built on love, admiration, respect and appreciation. Tom's success as a player and his character as a person are exceptional. Nothing about the end of Tom's Patriots career changes how unfathomably spectacular it was. With his relentless competitiveness and longevity, he earned everyone's adoration and will be celebrated forever. It has been a privilege to coach Tom Brady for 20 years."

While the 42-year-old won't re-sign with New England, the six-time Super Bowl champion has yet to decide where he'll play next season.

However, the Patriots' front office reportedly never negotiated a potential new contract with Brady. The team apparently received no inclination that the star passer wanted to return.