Newcastle should give Jamaal Lascelles the goodbye he wants
Jamaal Lascelles has revealed he wants to return to Newcastle for a proper goodbye, admitting his departure felt rushed and left him without the chance to thank supporters.
Speaking to Sky Sports, our former captain explained that leaving during the winter transfer window was difficult, with his absence from social media making it harder to send a farewell message.
Lascelles wants to say thank you
After more than a decade connected to the club, the affection is clearly still there.
“I absolutely love Newcastle. I think I was there since I was 21, seeing everything. Different managers, relegations, promotions, everything. Seeing so many people come and go, players and staff.
“It was really difficult to go. I've been meaning to go back and say a proper goodbye because it was sort of rushed, it was January transfer window.
“More so to the fans really because I'm not on social media so I wasn't really able to put out a message to say bye properly but I would love to go back and just say a proper goodbye and a thank you more than anything to the fans.”
The 32-year-old remains without a club following the end of his short-term Leicester deal. He is following a fitness programme, getting out to the gym or running each morning, and remains open-minded about his next move while considering his settled family.
He said:
“I'm very much fit and very much still hungry.
“If someone was to give me the opportunity then I'd love the challenge.”
Newcastle should give him that moment
Hopefully, another playing opportunity comes along soon. But his wish to come back and thank the fans is something Newcastle should look to arrange.
Lascelles made 253 appearances for us, captained the Championship-winning side under Rafa Benitez and wore the armband for that famous 4-1 victory over PSG. Through the difficult years and the progress that followed, he was a hugely influential figure for us on and off the pitch.
Even when injuries and limited playing opportunities kept him out of the side, he remained an important part of the leadership group. Seeing him lift the Carabao Cup alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier at Wembley was fitting recognition of that contribution.
When Newcastle announced his departure, the club made clear he would always be welcome at St James’ Park.
A half-time appearance at a home game would be a lovely way to follow through on that.
He wants to thank us, but after everything he gave Newcastle, there’s plenty for us to thank him for too.
