Emmanuel Sanders thanks 49ers fans after signing with Saints

It was difficult for many San Francisco 49ers fans to watch Emmanuel Sanders leave the team and sign a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. It was even more difficult for some of his teammates, like receivers Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne.

The Niner Faithful had just months to get to know Sanders after the 49ers traded for the receiver in late October. He was an integral part of San Francisco's journey to the Super Bowl.

On Saturday, Sanders took the time to say farewell to the fanbase that welcomed him to the Bay Area team. He also shared some of his favorite photos from his time with San Francisco.

"Four months is all I had with the Niners faithful and it was some of the best times of my life," wrote Sanders via an Instagram post. "Thank you guys for embracing me from the moment I stepped into Levi stadium. Your energy is contagious and it matched so well with mine. To my teammates, coaches and the whole niners organization- Thank you for the love and real ness you showed me day in and day out. There was never a time that I didn't want to go to work. The laughter and good times we had I'll never forget. Love all of you guys!"

Sanders hauled in 66 receptions for 869 yards with five touchdowns through 17 regular-season games and 16 starts with both the 49ers and Broncos this past season.

The 49ers will see Sanders again. San Francisco and the Saints will play each other in New Orleans during the 2020 season.