ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN had Newcastle fans in turmoil after posting the "most emotional goodbye message" in the club's history.
The Frenchman has left St James' Park in a £30million deal to join Saudi side Al-Ahli.
Saint-Maximin, 26, has penned a three-year deal to play in the Saudi Pro League, and has been replaced at Newcastle by former Leicester winger Harvey Barnes.
He evidently loved his time in the Toon, and this morning posted a touching goodbye message on social media.
The exciting winger wrote: "4 years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time. At that moment, I hadnât realised that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie.
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"You might think « nice Goodbye message » but the sentiment runs deeper than any words I could say, from the very first months that I met the people of this city, I truly understood them and embraced their unwavering passion.
"Which is why it was so important for me to give my all and if this meant to play injured or even not making statistics, I didnât give a sh** as long as it would help my team.
"Believe me, I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me.
"Of course during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it's just so beautiful.
"I'm leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that's my greatest trophy because I was a part of it.
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"A deep thank you to ALL of you, my team mates, the loyal fans, the staff, the Club, etc⦠Iâve seen all your messages, thank you and even though this chapter has ended, the story never stops.
"Newcastle is home now, I'll continue to be your biggest supporter, I'll watch every game and as long as the club keeps winning I'll be the happiest man in the world⦠and for sure you will see me again.
"I love you, I love you sincerely, I love you like a Geordie brother. Once a Geordie, always a Geordie."
Fans were touched by Saint-Maximin's heartfelt message, with one responding: "Im crying Alan. Thank you."
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A second wrote: "Probably the most heartfelt and emotional goodbye message by any Newcastle United player in #NUFC history.
"Doesn't get more powerful than that. We'll love you forever,
@asaintmaximin. Thank you for everything. "Once a Geordie, always a Geordie.""
A third replied: "Forever a Geordie! Love you Allan."
Accompanied by crying emojis, a further Toon fan tweeted: "Thank you Maxi. Gonna miss you."
Another added: "Iâm not crying. You are."
Saint-Maximin also took a swipe at transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
He replied to the journalist's tweet about his Newcastle exit with a GIF of NBA legend Draymond Green shaking Kevin Durant, captioned: "I want you to stop stalking me. Just stop it."
Saint-Maximin became a cult hero at Newcastle following his 2019 arrival from Nice.
But he gradually fell out of favour under Eddie Howe, starting just 12 Premier League games last season.
He scored 13 goals in 124 appearances for the Magpies, while laying on 21 assists.
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