Newcastle United cult heroes send emotional messages amid free transfer search

Former Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth has revealed he still feels emotional when discussing his time at St James Park.

The 52-times-capped Sweden international joined the Magpies during the summer of 2019 and went on to make over a century of appearances over the following seven years. However, Krafth’s time as a Newcastle player was brought to an end this summer when he was not offered a new contract and he is yet to find a new club despite links with clubs in Denmark and his native Sweden.

After a challenging start to life on Tyneside as the Magpies struggled to find form under Steve Bruce, Krafth quietly impressed during Eddie Howe’s time in charge as he became a reliable backup for the likes of Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier. He was also on the pitch when United ended their 70-year wait for major domestic silverware as he appeared as a late substitute in the Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool in March last year.

As his search for a new club continues, Krafth has reflected on his time at Newcastle and he admitted he still feels emotional when looking back.

Speaking to Swedish news outlet Sportbladet, the former Magpies defender said: “I can’t promise I won’t cry. It is going to be emotional to stand there with the players you’ve experienced so much with, with those who are still in the national team, some of the leaders and our fantastic fans. Well, you hear me, I already feel like it’s going to be special, but also fun. Especially since there are several of us who are being thanked at the same time.”

‘I absolutely love Newcastle’

Krafth is not the only former Magpies defender still looking for a new club at this point in time. Former Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles, who turns 33 today (November 11), has been without a club since he left Leicester City in the aftermath of their relegation into League One at the end of last season. The centre-back made over 220 appearances for Newcastle during a 12-year stay at St James Park and was one part of the squad that claimed promotion back into the Premier League under Rafa Benitez in 2017.

Speaking in September about his time on Tyneside, Lascelles revealed his desire to say a proper goodbye to supporters and thank them for the backing he received throughout his time in black and white.

He told Sky Sports: “I absolutely love Newcastle. I think I was there since I was 21. Seen everything, different managers, relegation, promotion, everything. So it was really difficult to go. I did mean to go back and say a proper goodbye because it was sort of rushed in the January transfer window.

“More so the fans really because I’m not on social media. I wasn’t really able to put out a message to say bye properly but I would love to go back and just say a proper goodbye and a thank you, more than anything, to the fans. I can’t thank them enough, so supportive. Obviously very passionate…I would just like to say thank you to them.”

Your next Newcastle United read: 'Hoofing it' - Senior Newcastle United star reveals dressing room view on Matthias Jaissle's tactics