Read Kieran Trippier's final Leadership Group message ahead of West Ham United | OneFootball

You’ve been with us at home, and followed us all over the country and in Europe every week. It never goes unnoticed and we will do everything to finish the season strongly in these last two games.

It’s going to be an emotional one today, and to be honest, it’s been an emotional few games since it was announced I’ll be leaving the club this summer. The reaction I’ve got from you, the supporters, has been immense. It just shows that you know I’ve given everything for the club. Every game, home or away, whether I’ve come off the bench or not, the appreciation you’ve shown me and singing my name, it’s been incredible. Everyone at the club has been so supportive in these last few weeks, from the top to the bottom, the manager as well.

Today is, of course, my final home game at St. James’ Park, and it’s not really sunk in to be honest. Walking into the ground before the game, seeing my children there, it’s going to be emotional for sure. This is where I’ve most felt at home, my daughter was born here, and most importantly I’m leaving a lot of good people behind. But this is football, players come and go, it’s just part and parcel of the game.

I’ve had four and a half wonderful years here, I’ve won a cup here, we stayed up in the first season and then got to the Champions League twice. I’ve achieved more than I ever thought I would do at the football club.

When I first arrived, me and the manager spoke about the most important thing being to stay up, and to help the club on and off the pitch. I said back then that as long as I’ve helped the club be in a better position by the time I’ve left, then I’d be delighted. You’ve got to have the ambition, of course, but we also recognised the situation we were in at the time. Ever since the following pre-season we’ve never looked back. The club has just gone forward and I hope that continues after I’ve left.

And I know I’ll always be a Newcastle fan. I’ll always watch the games and keep in contact with the lads. I’ll come back at any opportunity I get – I’ve got a lot of friends here in the squad and away from football too. I’ll always follow Newcastle, I’ll always want the club to finish as high as possible, and I want them to be playing in Europe and on the biggest stages.

Even though I won’t be here, I’m certain that this club is only going to go up and up. There is a truly fantastic fanbase, a great manager and really good players as well. The club is only going to move forward, that’s for sure.

Thank you for everything, and see you soon.

Tripps.

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