Ray Allen, Kevin Youkilis thank Boston fans

BOSTON, Mass (WHDH) -- Two former Boston sports stars thanked Boston fans. Ray Allen and Kevin Youkilis took the media to show their appreciation.

Former Celtics' star Ray Allen took out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe to thank Boston fans.

In the ad Allen wrote, “For the past five years, my family and I took great pride in calling Boston home. We have loved living in this city, being members of the Celtics family and being part of your community. These memories will be cherished forever. From my heart, thank you Boston for this incredible journey.”

Ray Allen signed with the Miami Heat last week.

Just hours before returning to Fenway Kevin Youkilis wrote a similar thank you note in a letter posted on ESPN.com. He wrote, “To all the Red Sox nation, the home of the most dedicated and knowledgeable fans in baseball, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. That final game at Fenway was the most emotional day of my life on the baseball field.

The Red Sox traded Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox three weeks ago and Youkilis received a standing ovation from the crowd after his final plate appearance.

Youkilis returns to Fenway Monday night as the Chicago White Sox start a 3-game series at the Red Sox. Prior to Monday night’s game the Cask ‘n’ Flagon is hosting a Youkilis appreciation night. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. One person will win tickets to a future Red Sox game.