'Devastated' - Newcastle United star decided to leave before Eddie Howe meeting
Kieran Trippier will leave Newcastle United at the end of his contract this summer.
Kieran Trippier had already decided to leave Newcastle United before heading into a meeting with Eddie Howe.
It was announced during the recent international break that Trippier will be leaving St James’ Park when his contract expires on June 30.
The 54-capped England international was the first signing of the PIF era after arriving from Atletico Madrid in January 2022. In his four-and-a-half years, Trippier has twice helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League, as well as end their 56-year trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup last season.
Kieran Trippier opens up on Eddie Howe meeting
Trippier, 34, knew he was ready to leave but waited until there was a break in the fixture schedule before communicating the decision out of respect for the club.
“I’m devastated, I’m emotional because it was first on my mind probably two or three weeks because the international break, Trippier told Sky Sports. “But out of respect for the manager, the club, the supporters and most importantly my teammates, I didn’t want to say anything because I just wanted to focus on the games. I just put it to the back of my mind.
“I thought the right time was the international break. When I come back, me and the gaffer will have a nice sit-down and I had a great chat with him. I told him where I saw my career going, what my plans were and they were so supportive. He understood. Ross Wilson understood, and most importantly my teammates understood.”
Eddie Howe on Kieran Trippier’s decision to leave NUFC
When asked about Trippier’s decision, Howe said: “Kieran has handled himself superbly during this period. He came to see me, he had a clear vision of what he saw his future looking like.
“We respected that and wanted him to get his best reception and reaction after his time here. For me he goes down as one of the best players that's played for me without a doubt.
“He's been a model of consistency, behind the scenes that will to win. He's been a really good leader, he deserves all the plaudits and we hope he finishes the season on a high.”