Christian Atsu has taken to social media to announce his departure from the club and thank fans and staff for their support.
The forward joined on-loan from Chelsea in 2016 on the eve of the summer transfer window closing. His deal came with an option-to-buy which Rafa Benitez exercised in May 2017 after Atsu's influential contribution to Newcastle's promotion back to the Premier League under the Spaniard.
The four-year contract he signed back then has now ended and, although there has been no official confirmation from the club yet, it comes as little surprise to read Atsu's message on social media earlier today.
His omission from Steve Bruce's 25-man Premier League playing squad means he has gone over a year without playing a competitive game.
In the four seasons prior to 2020/21, Atsu made 121 appearances for the club, scoring 8 goals and making 10 assists.
A warm and popular member of the squad among both players, staff and fans, his contribution to promotion and subsequent survivals in the top division shouldn't be underestimated.
