Daryl Janmaat reveals who told him to quit Newcastle United

Daryl Janmaat has claimed he had to leave Newcastle United – for the sake of his international career.
Daryl Janmaat.Daryl Janmaat.
Daryl Janmaat.

Fans on Tyneside haven't forgiven Janmaat for leaving the club in the wake of relegation to the Championship in 2016.

Janmaat – who had missed the last weeks of the season after punching a wall at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium – joined this afternoon's FA Cup opponents Watford after just two years at St James's Park.

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The Holland international – who had a strong first season at Newcastle – was booed by United fans at Vicarage Road for the Premier League meeting between the two clubs last month.

And Janmaat is likely to be given a hot reception at his former home if he plays in the fourth-round tie.

Speaking to Watford's official website ahead of the game, the 29-year-old said: "I have been up there and I have played against them at home, but it’s always good to go back to Newcastle.

“It’s a great club, and I really enjoyed being a part of it.

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“I left when Newcastle United were relegated, but it was nothing personal.

“The national team manager at the time (Danny Blind) told me I had to be playing in the Premier League, and that was very important to me, so that was the main reason.

“I still think Newcastle is a great club and the fans are so passionate.

“It’s a big club with huge potential, and I was very happy when they came back up to the top level. Hopefully, they can keep progressing.”