Florian Thauvin's message to Newcastle fans
Florian Thauvin has pledged to come back to Newcastle United "stronger" after leaving on loan.
The winger has rejoined former club Olympique Marseille on a six-month deal after spending just five months at St James's Park.
But there is no provision for a permanent deal in the loan.
And, as it stands, the 23-year-old will return to Tyneside in July for the start of pre-season training.
Thauvin – who turned down all interview requests while at Newcastle – sent a rare message to United fans on Twitter.
The France Under-21 international tweeted: "Thank you to all Newcastle fans for your support. I'll be back stronger."
Newcastle and Marseille confirmed the loan earlier today.
Thauvin said he had learnt a lot at United – as his £12m move given him "time to think" about his Marseille career.
Asked about his experience at Newcastle, Thauvin added: "It was a new experience, I learnt new things.
"It gave me a bit of time to think about what I had been through here, and to better analyse what I had done with Marseille.
"It was good for me to be able to think about that more clearly. I think that this experience allowed me to learn a lot.”