Newcastle United have confirmed one of their players is bound to exit Tyneside this summer.
The Magpies announced on Saturday, just hours before facing West Ham in their final home game of the season, that defender Emil Krafth will leave the club at the end of the campaign when his contract is completed.
“Defender Emil Krafth will bring an end to his seven-year stay at Newcastle United following the expiry of his contract this summer,” the club said.
The Sweden
international is set to be recognized by the Geordie faithful this weekend before his departure in two weeks.
“The Sweden international will show his appreciation to the St. James’ Park crowd during a half-time presentation at Sunday’s Premier League fixture with West Ham,” the club added.
Krafth will leave with over a century of appearances and silverware to his name, including playing over 100 games in black and white stripes and hoisting the Carabao Cup during his time in Tyneside.
The 31-year-old also shared a message following the announcement in a final statement before departing.
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent this incredible football club for the past seven years,” Krafth said. “It’s been a huge part of my life, I’ve made some amazing memories here and Newcastle is somewhere I’ve been really proud to call home.
“I’ve had up and down moments on a personal level and some difficult times with injury, but I’ve always felt such brilliant support from the fans, my team-mates, the coaching staff and everybody connected to the club. This is something I will remember forever and want to say a massive thank you for.”
Head coach Eddie Howe also paid tribute to the defender’s contributions to the club.
“Emil has embodied what it means to be a Newcastle United player on and off the pitch,” Howe said. “He’s been a brilliant servant to the club and he absolutely deserves the send-off that I know he’ll get at St. James’ Park this weekend.”
Good luck going forward, Emil!
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