MATT Ritchie has bid a heartfelt farewell to Newcastle United, paying tribute to Eddie Howe, the coaching staff, his teammates and the fans, who he describes as the "beating heart" of the club.
Ritchie's exit was confirmed this week when the Magpies released their retained list.
The Scotland international is one of five senior players leaving the club and before Ritchie prepares for what he describes as his "exciting new challenge at his new club", he's said an emotional goodbye.
The 34-year-old played 215 times for United during his eight years on Tyneside, scoring 25 goals and playing a key role as Rafa Benitez's side won promotion in 2016/17.
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He says: "After eight incredible years, my journey with Newcastle has come to an end and before I begin to prepare for an exciting new challenge at my new club, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made my time here so special.
"To the fans, your unwavering support has and always will mean the world to me.
"From the elation of scoring the winner against Burton Albion as we chased promotion, to a personal highlight of mine, seeing out a 1-0 win over Man Utd to help secure our Premier League status in 2018 - these moments, where we battled and triumphed together at St James' Park, will always hold a special place in my heart.
"Newcastle United is filled with extraordinary people who made my time here so special. There's no doubt that I'm leaving this club with friends for life.
"To the manager, coaches, my teammates and all the amazing staff at the club, it was a privilege to be part of such a talented, dedicated and ambitious team. Your hard work and friendship made every day a joy, and I am proud to have worked alongside you all.
"There's no doubt in my mind that this club will continue to grow from strength to strength over the coming seasons and I will be watching proudly from afar as a fan.
"Finally, I want to end by thanking every single Newcastle United supporter - you are the beating heart of this one-of-a-kind club and without you, none of this would have been possible."
Newcastle's longest serving player Paul Dummett is leaving alongside Ritchie, while United also confirmed the exits of Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts.
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