Kieran Trippier hits back at this controversial Newcastle United accusation

Kieran Trippier has again denied he joined Newcastle United for money.

The England right-back moved to St James’ Park during the January transfer window in a £12million deal from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Only six months prior had Manchester United wanted to sign Trippier, however the Magpies, deep in relegation trouble at the time, acted swiftly to secure his signature.

And the 31-year-old’s impact on Tyneside has been quite incredible despite fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot on just his fifth appearance for the club.

Indeed, Trippier scored two crucial free-kicks in back-to-back wins against Everton and Aston Villa in February.

However, it’s the player’s leadership off the pitch that has proved invaluable and that will continue despite him being in a fight to play again this season.

Trippier has been pictured on crutches supporting his teammates from inside the dressing room in wins over Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion.

That is a fantastic commitment given it was claimed by some that Trippier joined for financial reasons only.

Kieran Trippier hits back at money accusations

“It doesn’t bother me,” Trippier told The True Geordie Podcast. “I know the reasons why I came back and money wasn’t one of them. If it was, I would have stayed in Madrid.

“I had an unbelievable time there but the time was right to come back to England.

“(It was) to live back in the north with my family, and of course the project as well.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and the owners about the direction they want the club to go in and it’s exciting.

“For me, it was a no-brainer to come back to England.

“They (the owners) didn’t really sell anything to me, to be honest. “