Outgoing Newcastle United wideman Christian Atsu posts classy message to 'Toon Army fans'

Christian Atsu of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

The Ghanaian wideman has taken to his Instagram account to confirm he will depart United when his contract ends this month – and to say goodbye to the ‘Newcastle United family’.

He said: “When I arrived in Newcastle almost 5 years ago, I was made to feel welcome from the start..by everyone at the club and especially by the fans. I grew to love the city and my young family feel very at home here. Sadly, the time has now come for me to leave the club, so I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who is part of the Newcastle Utd family. Thank you to the Toon Army fans, a lot of whom I’ve met around the city. I will never forget my time in the North East and for sure I will follow the results every week. Thank you my geordie staff, players & fans, it’s been a pleasure!”

Atsu was signed for around £6million by former boss Rafa Benitez after spending the promotion season on loan on Tyneside from Chelsea.

In total the 29-year-old winger made 121 appearances for United in all competitions, scoring eight goals.

Atsu was this season frozen out of the first-team picture after being left out of the club’s 25-man Premier League squad in the first half of the season.

He did, however, make one appearance – a 10-minute show off the bench in the Carabao Cup win over Blackburn.