Papiss Cisse has paid tribute to the Newcastle United fans following his departure from the club.
While Papiss Cisse had promised to stay put at Newcastle United following the club’s relegation, the 10 million arrival of Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace this summer had pushed the striker further down the pecking order at the club and as a result, he has sealed a departure from St. James’ Park.
It was confirmed today that Cisse signed a deal with Chinese Super League outfit Shandong Luneng for a fee believed to be in the region of around £2.5 million and the Senegalese star is expected to pocket a cool £3 million per year during his time in China.
BREAKING: Papiss Cissé joins Chinese club Shandong Luneng
Full story: https://t.co/ijwi43hZjV #NUFC pic.twitter.com/LnIxULosks
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 9, 2016
Cisse made a total of 131 appearances during his four-and-a-half year stay at Newcastle, scoring 44 goals and upon his exit; the 31-year-old has gone on to pay a touching tribute to the Magpies’ faithful.
Using social media website, Twitter, Cisse posted, “I will be back as a supporter alongside them one day. Every goal I scored in that famous number nine shirt was for them.
“I hope that the team are quickly back in the Premier League. We had some great times together and hopefully under Rafa those times will return.”
I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for the Newcastle fans
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) July 9, 2016
I will never forget them as long as i live and will be bk as a supporter alongside them 1 day
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) July 9, 2016
Evey goal i scored in that famous Number 9 shirt was for them
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) July 9, 2016
I hope that the team are quickly back in the Premier League
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) July 9, 2016
We had some great tomes together and hopefully under Rafa those times will return
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) July 9, 2016