Former Arsenal midfielder issues farewell message ahead of Newcastle United summer move

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has penned a farewell message to Queens Park Rangers following the end of his loan spell.

Hayden joined QPR in January after spending the first-half of the season on loan at Belgian club Standard Liege. He went on to make 17 appearances as the West London outfit won their battle to stay in the Championship.

The 29-year-old recently expressed an interest in remaining at Loftus Road full-time. Reflecting on his half-season loan, Hayden said on Instagram: “Where to start, from joining on Feb 1st in the relegation zone to ending the season today with a 3rd victory in a row and securing safety last weekend officially with a game to spare. It has been a pleasure to play for this club.

“I want to firstly thank the owners, Christian and the manager for giving me the opportunity, the set of lads I have shared a dressing room with have been amazing and top class, the back room staff who have sacrificed a lot and given so much to help us and the fans for their unwavering support of the team and myself personally since I’ve joined.

“It is a time I will always remember and hold onto very fondly. Who knows what the future may bring but it’s been an honour and I’m sure this club is going one way and that’s up. Forever a ranger 💙🤍 u rrrsssss”

Newcastle will look to offload Hayden again this summer after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Eddie Howe two years ago. Hayden last played for the Magpies in December 2021 and trained alone last pre-season after returning from a loan spell at Norwich City.

Hayden was signed by Rafa Benitez in 2016 from Arsenal and in his debut season helped Newcastle win the Championship title. He has made 171 appearances in total and has two years remaining on his contract.