Kieran Trippier has clarified that he never wanted to leave Newcastle United, after claims surfaced online following Bruno Guimaraes' departure. The former Magpies defender spent over four years at St James' Park before his contract expired at the end of the season, and he has now responded to speculation about his time at the club.
Trippier's Response
In a post on X, Trippier addressed a fan's comment directly, writing: "Didn’t want out," and adding, "But didn’t & couldn’t get a super agent," accompanied by laughter and shrugging shoulders emojis. The 35-year-old had been linked with an exit on multiple occasions during his tenure, but he remained until his deal ran out, only then joining Wolves in the Championship.
Trippier joined Newcastle in a £12million deal from Atletico Madrid, a move that helped spark the club's resurgence under Eddie Howe, lifting them from a relegation battle into European contention. Despite his age, he became a key part of the side.
Emotional Farewell
After his final match for Newcastle, Trippier was visibly emotional. "I’m devastated to be leaving," he said. "But this is football. Players come and go. It is an amazing stadium with amazing supporters, amazing people in the city. I’ve never felt emotional like this when leaving a club; this is the longest I’ve ever been at a club."
The discussion arose after Guimaraes completed his £75m move to Arsenal on Saturday. The transfer was played out publicly for weeks, with no official bid received by Newcastle until late. Superagent Kia Joorabchian is said to have played a prominent role in facilitating the deal.
Guimaraes' Exit
Guimaraes, who had been Newcastle's captain, called the decision "one of the toughest decisions of my life." He added: "When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together. This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new in my life."
He also hinted at a difference in vision, saying: "This farewell comes down to a difference of ideas. Something that can happen in a relationship as beautiful, as strong and as passionate as ours. Sometimes life leads us in a different direction."
