"?Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has announced his departure from the club after writing an emotional letter to the devoted Geordie fans, explaining his reasons for saying goodbye.
"GOODBYE FOR NOW": Fabricio Coloccini has written a letter to Newcastle United fans
? https://t.co/Scesuqcd9C #NUFC pic.twitter.com/HVBLMqtOBD
Coloccini's troubled eight year tenure was plagued with injuries, inconsistent performances and the experience of two relegations from the Premier League since joining from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008. The Argentine has also been longing to return to his hometown of San Lorenzo de Almagro since 2013, citing personal problems as the reason behind his motivation.
Despite this, according to "?nufc.co.uk, the Argentine began by expressing his love for the fans during a tough period in the club's prestigious history.
"This message is for all those people with black and white blood in their veins.
"You have adopted me here and made me feel welcome and so happy. You also opened the door to your house and your hearts when my loved ones were far away."
Coloccini also spoke of the mental and physical strain in not lifting a trophy with the club, and accepts that during his time at Newcastle, the team was not good enough to compete.
"Unfortunately we couldn't lift a title for the club, which is a dream that I haven't been able to fulfil. And in this last year the club and players were not up to the standard of the competition, and for that reason we lost our Premier League status.
"One of the main reasons is that after so many years of trying to achieve a title for the club and not being able to do it, it might be time to let other players arrive with the same drive, impetus and desire as I did years ago."
Coloccini suggested, however, that a return to the club in a coaching capacity is not out of the question: "I will prepare myself and I will work towards being able to achieve as a coach what I was unable to fulfil as a player.
"Maybe one day I can return and contribute to winning a title for this club and the best fans in England."