Ex-England defender Trippier to leave Newcastle

Kieran Trippier is to leave Newcastle United when the defender's contract expires this summer.

The right-back joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 as the first signing following the club's takeover by a Saudi-led consortium.

Newcastle were in the relegation places at the time and Trippier has gone on play a crucial role in the club's resurgence under Eddie Howe.

The former England international helped his side end their seven-decade wait to win a major domestic trophy last season by lifting the EFL Cup, as well as playing his part in the club qualifying for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.

In a joint statement, the 35-year-old announced he will be departing the club where he has "felt most at home" at the end of the season.

"It's emotional and I'm really going to miss it," he said.

"I want to say a massive thank you to the supporters for all the support through the good and the bad times for me personally. You've always supported me, always stood by me.

"To my team-mates, it's going to be emotional. It's been an amazing journey with you guys. I'm going to miss you all, but to win a trophy with you guys was really, really special - the best of my career."

Trippier also paid tribute to Howe, who had the "trust" to sign him for Newcastle after the pair previously worked together at Burnley.

Trippier was the first signing Howe made at the club and though the right-back is moving on, the head coach knows he will be "giving absolutely everything to end his time here on a high".

"Kieran has been magnificent for us on and off the pitch," Howe added. "From the moment he walked through the door, he has helped to drive standards that have changed the club's trajectory.

"His performances on the pitch have been to the highest level. Building strong partnerships with the players around him. His outstanding technical ability helped elevate the team and his strong crossing ability helped create many goals and chances for his team-mates.

"His leadership skills have been invaluable. In difficult moments his experience has proved calming and his drive and will to win has inspired the players to keep pushing forward."

There have been more expensive arrivals in Newcastle's history, but few can rival Trippier's impact following his £12m move.

It is easy to forget the dire situation Newcastle were in when the defender joined the club little more than four years ago.

Newcastle had won just one game all season. They were in 19th place in the table. Howe's side even suffered a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of Cambridge United on Trippier's debut.

But the La Liga title winner had belief, and his arrival helped convince other signings to follow, including captain and talisman Bruno Guimaraes.

Trippier had one goal in mind when he joined Newcastle - to help the club get to where they "need to be".

This has been a challenging domestic campaign for Newcastle, but there can be no doubt that the former England international has done what he set out to do.

His departure will signal the end of one era and the start of another as Newcastle prepare to lower the average age of the squad.

However, you can be sure Trippier will receive a huge send-off from grateful supporters when he departs.

For many, he will go down as the club's greatest ever right-back.