Saint-Maximin pens heartfelt farewell to Newcastle fans ahead of move to Al-Ahli

Allan Saint-Maximin has bid farewell to Newcastle fans in an emotional post on social media.

The French winger's four-year spell on Tyneside came to an end earlier this week as he became the latest player to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League champions.

Champions League winner Edouard Mendy became the first Premier League star to join the club last month, before being joined by Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez at Al-Ahli.

The 30million deal came under significant scrutiny from Newcastle's Premier League rivals as the Saudi club is owned by the country's Public Investment Fund who also own a 80% stake in the Magpies.

In a post accompanied by a montage of his finest moments in a black-and-white shirt, the 26-year-old revealed he turned down opportunities on leave the club on previous occasions and insisted that he fell in love with the city and its people during his time at St James' Park.

'4 years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time. At that moment, I hadn’t realized that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie,' Maxim wrote on Twitter.

'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 didn’t give a s*** 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. A deep thank you to ALL of you, my team-mates, the loyal fans, the staff, the Club, etc…

'I’ve 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.'

Steve Bruce brought Saint-Maximin to the club in the summer of 2019, and he made 30 Premier League appearances and netted four times in his maiden Premier League campaign.

The winger has remained a consistent feature at the club in the years since, though injuries restricted him to just twelve starts last season as the club secured European football for the first time in more than a decade.