Rob Elliot, who has spent nine seasons at Newcastle United, has thanked the club for allowing him to release his dreams. The Republic of Ireland international revealed his pride that his three children "will always be Geordies."
Elliot joined the club from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2011 and has seen a fifth place finish, a run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, a relegation and a Championship title during a rough spell for the club.
The goalkeeper suffered a serious knee injury towards the end of that 2015/16 campaign and has largely struggled for game-time since then. The 34-year-old fell behind Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow in the pecking order. He was one of seven players to leave the club on a free transfer yesterday.
And in a heartfelt message to supporters on Twitter, Elliot wanted to thank 'everyone connected to NUFC' and hoped the fans 'understood what the last nine years meant' to him.
"I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of myself and my family to everyone connected to Newcastle United," he said. "The area has become our home, we have raised our three children here and they will always be Geordies, which is something that makes us feel so proud.
"A massive thank you to everyone at the club, both past and present, for helping me over the last nine years. It truly has been an amazing experience. I can only wish the great bunch of lads and staff all the best with finishing the season strong and beating expectations.
"There have been highs and lows, but what has always been there is the staff behind the scenes who make the club such a great place and make it what it is. From my Premier League debut to international football, last minute winners in Europe and winning Player of the Year, these are things I wouldn't have dreamed would have been possible when I was a kid, especially at a club like this.
"But to the people and the fans who made me feel a part of the club and the area is something that means most to myself and my family. So all I can say is thank you. I really hope our paths cross again one day. HOWAY THE LADS."
Thursday also saw the departure of academy graduate Jamie Sterry. The 24-year-old right-back, who made eight first-team appearances for the Magpies across all competitions.
He too took to Twitter to send an emotional farewell message to the team he grew up supporting.
"As a kid I always dreamed of being a professional footballer and playing for Newcastle," Sterry said. "I'm so grateful that I was given the opportunity to achieve that. After being with the club for 15 years I'm taking away some fantastic memories; such as making my Premier League debut, being involved in a Championship winning season and playing in front of the greatest fans in the world.
"I would just like to say a huge thank you to all of the managers and staff I have worked with over the years, the players I have been so fortunate to play alongside and have formed friendships that will stay with me for life. The support from my family, friends and amazing girlfriend, believing in me and supporting me through the ups and downs. And, of course, a massive thank you to the best fans in the world. It was a pleasure to play in front of you all and I will treasure these memories forever! Good luck for the rest of the season. Howay the lads!"
Source: Chroniclelive
