Salomon Rondon sends emotional thanks to 'very special' Newcastle United

Salomon Rondon has reunited with Rafa Benitez at Dalian Yifang

The 29-year-old, who became a fans favourite during his loan spell at St James’s Park last season, officially reunited with Rafa Benitez in China today.

Magpies fans were desperate to see the Venezuelan remain on a permament basis, however the club passed up the opportunity to sign him for £16.5million.

Instead, Rondon begins a "challenge” in Asia, under Benitez, a sight which is perhaps hard to take for supporters.

Rondon says he was “extremely lucky” to play for “very special” Newcastle and reiterates that wearing the number nine shirt remains one of his greatest honours.

“Today is the end of an incredible spell for me in the Premier League,” Rondon posted on his social media accounts.

“During these past four seasons, I’ve seen my dreams come true, like scoring in some of the greatest stadiums in the world or hearing some of the most loyal supporters chant my name.

“In my final year, I was extremely lucky to be part of a very special club, where I really felt loved by the supporters and after putting in a lot of effort.

“I enjoyed one of my best seasons on an individual level and we achieved a good outcome as a team.

“Being Newcastle’s number 9 is certainly an honour that’ll always stay with me.

“I also feel very grateful to WBA for the affection from every single Baggie right from day one and for the opportunity the club gave me by bringing me to English football, which I today say goodbye to whilst knowing that the future in this sport is unpredictable and full of adventure.

“I’m beginning a challenge that really motivates me and that I’m really excited about as I become a Dalian Yifang player.

“I’m moving to a new country with a different culture, a growing league that’s increasingly attracting talented and quality players and above all, a club with a really ambitious project.

“Those who know me are aware that I’m taking this step full of new objectives to achieve and I am as always, really keen to continue to better myself, whilst giving my all for my new team, as I have always done.”