ALLAN Saint-Maximin has said an emotional goodbye to Newcastle United with the popular winger set to finalise his switch to Saudi Arabia.

Posting on social media, Saint-Maximin says he "fell for Newcastle" and although he's leaving the club he will continue to be United's biggest supporter.

The farewell follows reports on Friday night claiming the winger's move to Al-Ahli is now complete, though it's yet to be announced by either club.

Eddie Howe was keen to keep Saint-Maximin at St James' Park this summer but reluctantly agreed to his exit as the Magpies work to ensure they don't fall foul of financial fair play regulations.

Saint-Maximin will leave after four years on Tyneside and in his social media farewell he tells of how he could have left the club during the "dark days" but didn't want to jump ship at Newcastle's time in need.

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He wrote: "4 years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time. At that moment, I hadn’t realized that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie.

"You might think « nice Goodbye message » but the sentiment runs deeper than any words I could say, from the very first months that I met the people of this city, I truly understood them and embraced their unwavering passion, which is why it was so important for me to give my all and if this meant to play injured or even not making statistics, I didn’t give a s*** as long as it would help my team.

"Believe me, I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me. Of course during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it's just so beautiful.

"I'm leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that's my greatest trophy because I was a part of it. A deep thank you to ALL of you, my team mates, the loyal fans, the staff, the Club, etc… I’ve seen all your messages, thank you and even though this chapter has ended, the story never stops.

"Newcastle is home now, I'll continue to be your biggest supporter, I'll watch every game and as long as the club keeps winning I'll be the happiest man in the world… and for sure you will see me again I love you, I love you sincerely, I love you like a Geordie brother. Once a Geordie, always a Geordie."