Kieran Trippier exposes Newcastle United myth and reveals “what people don’t realise”

When Kieran Trippier joined Newcastle United last January, many claimed money was the only reason the England international swapped Champions League football for a relegation battle on Tyneside.

However, speaking on the High Performance podcast, he’s revealed that he actually took a pay cut to sign for Eddie Howe’s Mags almost 18 months ago, saying “people don’t realise” that he could’ve signed a three-year deal in Madrid and earned more money.

Trippier also explains the truth behind his switch from Spain to St James’ Park, saying a move back to England was also important for his family and children, admitting they were “going through a difficult moment” at the time.

Therefore, after “good chats” with Eddie Howe – who he knew well from his time at Burnley – and full belief in the Newcastle project, he accepted a lower wage and signed with no relegation release clause back in January 2022.

Simon Jordan and many others in the media said he only signed ‘for the money’, yet Trippier’s comments debunk those myths once and for all.

Here’s what he had to say when speaking on the podcast, followed by the full episode:

“I have no regrets in every decision I make. This was the perfect decision for me.

“There were loads of comments when I first signed saying I came for money or whatever. What people don’t realise, I came here on less money than when I was at Atletico Madrid. I could’ve signed a new three-year contract at Madrid.

“I had to come back to England for my family, my children. We were going through a difficult moment.

“I wanted to come back up north. I had good chats with the manager and just thought, why not?

“I knew they were 19th in the league, I have no regrets even though I could’ve been playing in the Championship. I had no relegation clause. I took less money. I took a gamble and, again, I have no regrets.”