Yoshinori Muto has been handed the full summer to get ready for Newcastle United next season.
The Japan international has missed out on a call-up to his country's appearance as guests at this year's Copa America in Brazil.
The news that Muto hasn't made the squad for Japan has to be deemed as positive for Newcastle.
His season was affected by his appearance at the Asian Cup in January and we was never able to get a run in the team in the second half of the season.
Speaking about his first year in the Premier League, Muto said: "Thank you very much for your wonderful support throughout the season.
"It was a tough season for me, not reaching expectations.
"I wished I would have scored a lot more goals in front of such wonderful fans.
"For the next season, I will try my best to contribute to the club with lots of goals.
"I am really looking forward to seeing the wonderful supporters next season!"
Muto ended his first campaign in England with just six starts and his goal away to Manchester United in the narrow 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
The striker arrived at Newcastle in August and missed a large part of pre-season as he waited for his £9.5million switch from Mainz to come through.
