Emil Krafth's emotional speech at St James' Park as 7-year stay comes to a close

Kieran Trippier's send-off will get most of the headlines, but Sweden international Emil Krafth also said farewell to Newcastle United on Sunday.

Emil Krafth will bring the curtain down on a seven-year stint at Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, he wasn't involved on Sunday, but he was in attendance and spoke to the crowd midway through our 3-1 win over West Ham.

"Once a Geordie, always a Geordie"

Krafth got emotional when creating his farewell video, and in his speech on the St James' Park turf during the half-time break, he declared himself a Geordie for life.

“I’m so happy I have been able to spend the last seven years here. I’m going to miss this place a lot. 

"I get goosebumps every time I walk on this pitch. I’m going to be one of you now. 

"Once a Geordie, always a Geordie.”

Who will follow Trippier and Krafth?

It was a big day for Newcastle on Sunday. They returned to winning ways, kept their slim European dream alive, and remain in the running to finish higher than Sunderland, who would've secured that feat with one game remaining had we not beaten West Ham. 

Just as big, though, was saying goodbye to two excellent servants of the club in Trippier and Krafth.

There were a few more players who may have made their last appearance at St James' Park as Newcastle players; however, with Fabian Schar out of contract this summer, Joe Willock potentially up for sale, and Anthony Gordon heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

Only time will tell, but a summer of change appears to be on the cards.