Jetro Willems issues tearful statement after leaving Newcastle United

Willems ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea.

The on-loan defender will now return to Eintracht Frankfurt, his parent club, for assessment ahead of surgery.

“While I'm typing this my eyes are full of tears,” said Willems in a statement issued on Twitter. “I pray before each game and I ask God to let everyone end the match healthy whether we win or lose.

“As you always may have heard, the game against Chelsea was my last game for this season. I had in all ways an incredible, beautiful, fun and especially a good half year, and I want to thank everyone who was involved for that. It was fantastic to play for NUFC.

“I will come back stronger! I believe in the plan I made with God and the path we have chosen, I pledge to do everything I can, so it will not be my last game for NUFC! Thanks for all the messages.”

United head coach Steve Bruce said: “The big thing now is just the welfare of Jetro. Unfortunately, it’s his second serious knee injury in three years, but he’s a strong-minded individual.

“The big thing now is to let him have the operation and recover, and then we’ll review the situation. We’ve informed his parent club. Our doctor has been in touch with theirs already.

“He’s their player, so the parent club will always have the last word.”