Fabricio Coloccini will return home to Argentina to join San Lorenzo after eight years with Newcastle United, with the north-east club announcing their captain’s contract had been terminated by mutual consent.
The move back to his home country has been long rumoured, with a move to the Primera División club mooted as far back as November 2013 when Coloccini said: “I would like to return as soon as possible.”
Coloccini joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruña in 2008, shortly before making his debut against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw in a season-opener at Old Trafford.
He made 275 appearances for the club and became club captain for the 2011-12 season.
The managing director, Lee Charnley, said: “It is rare in football these days that a player gives such length of service to one club and I would like to thank Colo for his contribution to Newcastle United since he joined us before the start of the 2008-09 season.
“In the eight years he has been with us, Colo has become a firm friend and colleague to many players and staff, past and present, who I know will miss him. We wish him all the very best for his future career.”
