Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC
Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has responded to suggestions he refused to take the captain's armband from Bruno Guimaraes against Leicester City at the weekend.
Bruno attempted to hand Trippier the armband when the Brazil skipper was taken off but it was then passed on to 6ft 7in Blyth lad Dan Burn. Bruno was made "team captain" in the summer by Eddie Howe with many believing it was a ploy to retain his services from the likes of Arsenal and Man City.
Trippier was heavily linked with a summer move to Saudi Arabia while there was also talk of Everton before the transfer window shut. The retired England international has been tight-lipped about his future since August but the speculation is almost certain to start again in due course.
One fan posted to Trippier's X account: "Trips was still showing leadership by allowing somebody who had been competing all game to get some recognition. I also think it is yet another sign that Trippier's time at #NUFC is up and he realises and accepts it."
And in response Trippier said: "Non story".
Howe had said of Trippier's presence earlier this year: "The situation is business as usual. "Tripps has trained really well this week. I'm surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out.
"(He's) a valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first-class. I'm not really sure where this has come from. His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here."