Following the confirmation of a loan move to Manchester United, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has sent an emotional goodbye message to Toon fans on Instagram.
The Slovakian spent almost five years at the club, making his debut against the Red Devils where he made a string of top saves and won man of the match, going on to make the number one spot his own until Nick Pope’s arrival this summer.
130 appearances later and the 33-year-old is departing for a new adventure, but has described his time on Tyneside as an ‘honour and a privilege’ and he is ‘excited’ by the direction the club is headed in.
On Instagram, Dubravka had this to say:
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent this amazing city and this incredible club over the last four years. I have been fortunate enough to make over 125 appearances and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the toon army, from my debut against Man United, to the final game of last season against, Burnley, your support has been unwavering and I will always be indebted to you.
“To the club and all the staff behind the scenes, thank you for making it such a special place to play. I will forever be grateful to the club for giving me my first opportunity to fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League.
“I’m excited by the direction of travel of the club and wish you all every success in the future – there couldn’t be a more deserving set of supporters. I will miss you all and look forward to our paths crossing again in the future on and off the pitch.”
Dubravka’s loan move will last until the end of the season – although we have the option to recall him in January – costing Man United an initial fee of £2m with a potential fee of £6m if he plays a certain number of games.
While it may leave a sour taste in the mouths of some supporters, the Slovakian international has been a great servant to the club, playing a crucial role in multiple relegation battles, and we will wish him the very best in the next step of his career.
