Eddie Howe reveals truth behind Kieran Trippier's decision to leave Newcastle

Last weekend, Kieran Trippier announced his intention to leave Newcastle United at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old was the first one through the door of the new era at Newcastle and has been one of the most important players for Eddie Howe in so many ways.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, we were waiting to see what his next move would be after Howe had hinted that he'd like to give him another deal.

Trippier has played 34 games for Newcastle this season, and with seven games to go, that number is likely to increase before the curtain comes down on this campaign.

Howe: We respect Trippier's wish to move on

Eddie Howe faced the media on Friday morning, the first time since Trippier's announcement, and hinted that it was the player's decision to make this his last season at the club.

Without discussing his next steps once he becomes a free agent this summer, the boss reveals that Trippier has a 'clear vision' of his immediate future, meaning any talk of a renewal was not on the cards now he's opted to move on.

On this and Trippier's impact during his time on Tyneside, Howe said:

"Kieran has handled himself superbly during this period. He came to see me and we had a discussion.

"He had a clear vision of what he saw his future looking like. We respected that and wanted him to get the best reception and reaction for his time here.

"For me, he goes down as one of the best players to have played for me during my time. He has been a model of consistency; he has that will to win. He has been a really good leader, and he deserves to go with all the plaudits."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7nt8hAnHao

Where will Trippier go next?

Trippier isn't ready to hang up his boots yet, but he obviously felt that he wouldn't be getting the minutes he wants if he'd stayed at Newcastle.

There's a strong feeling that he will move abroad once again, perhaps in search of one last big payday in either Saudi Arabia or the MLS.

We expect he'll get quite the ovation each time he takes to the pitch between now and his last appearance. At least we hope he does, he's earned at least that much.