Jeff Hendrick didn't know it then, but after playing his part on the left-wing for Burnley in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur he'd just kicked his last ball for the Clarets.
After spending the last four years in Lancashire, following a £10.5million switch from Derby County, Hendrick has nothing but respect for the Clarets.
But it has been his lack of opportunities in his preferred central role that ultimately sparked his exit from Burnley.
After Spurs, came the lockdown and Burnley's decision not to field him again, paving the way for his move to the North-East.
Hendrick played just four times in the centre of midfield last season - scoring twice from there - after being used mainly as a right-winger by Sean Dyche.
Hendrick said: "Don't get me wrong I had four great years at Burnley and we done some great things.
"But for me, it as a new challenge and getting back to playing in the middle where I see myself as more of a player.
"There were a few different things but I don't want to take away how much I enjoyed my time at Burnley.
"I'm 28 now and it was time for something different."
When asked if Steve Bruce had offered assurances on his position, Hendrick said: "Yeah I'd imagine so, I have said before that if any manager anywhere I am needed me to play in a different position then I'd do that no problem.
"I feel like I can keep going playing in the middle.
"So hopefully now I can.
"I watched Newcastle growing up on TV, so once the offer became solid this is where I wanted to come."
Newcastle go into another season with fans expecting the usual count up to 38 to 40 points with Hendrick the only outfield addition to the squad so far.
A striker and a left-back should follow but regardless of the lack of hype around St James' Park this summer, not least after a Middle East consortium collapsed, Hendrick is impressed with the club.
Hendrick reflected: "They are a solid Premier League club now, they have been there for four seasons.
"They have established themselves now and I don't want to disrespect that.
"Because the manager and the lads and everybody who has been there over the last few years have done brilliantly to make it happen.
"In terms of a club, I think there is a bit more of a demand from the fans than anywhere else.
"It is a massive club in Premier League history.
"It is probably a bit of a step up but I don't want to talk bad or talk down on Burnley.
"I know how well they have done and they deserve to be in the Premier League again."
