Sean Longstaff has shared a message on social media after playing against Newcastle United for the first time since his move to Leeds United in July.
It was admittedly very strange to see a player who was with the Magpies for almost 20 years line up against them on Saturday, but that has been the reality of this summer transfer window.
Even though he did not want to sell him, Sean Longstaff’s transfer to Leeds United came with significant PSR benefits, which have allowed Newcastle United to improve their squad with five quality players this summer.
Longstaff won the Player of the Match award for his efforts against his former club; it was almost as if he had something to prove in the wet conditions at Elland Road. The game finished goalless, but Longstaff left his mark on the game.
It was undoubtedly an emotional evening for the 27-year-old, and he has now shared his thoughts on a social media post and received some heartwarming replies from his former teammates.
Sean Longstaff speaks to Tino Livramento before a Premier League game between Leeds United and Newcastle United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Longstaff will forever go down as one of Newcastle’s best-ever academy graduates, but he needed the move for the good of his career.
That did not mean the move away was any less emotional. In a recent interview, Longstaff said that several Newcastle players were in tears as he left, with Nick Pope making a speech for the Englishman.
Additionally, Longstaff admitted he ‘burst out crying‘ while in Austria when speaking to Newcastle coach Stephen Purches.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Now, the former Newcastle man has reflected on what was an emotional day for him at Elland Road.
“Great fight from the lads at Elland Road,” he said.
“Brilliant to see so many familiar faces and appreciate the support from everyone today.”
In the comments, midfielder Joe Willock said: “So happy to see you happy brother love you pal.” While Tino Livramento said: “Love you pal.”
Additionally, the post was liked by Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, and Newcastle legends Shay Given and Alan Shearer.
Sean Longstaff praised by Jamie Carragher after Newcastle United reunion
It was always going to be an emotional reunion for Longstaff against his former club, but he managed the situation brilliantly.
However, the midfielder was visibly upset at the full-time whistle when he applauded the Newcastle fans in the away end. Before that, Longstaff received high praise from Jamie Carragher during his commentary for Sky Sports.
“It can’t have been easy today,” Carragher said. “You see the tackles, duels won, distance covered.
“When you come up against a team you’ve played for, I’ve never been in that position myself, but as I say, it couldn’t have been easy.
“[Against] midfielders he’s trained with and played with for years, he’s supported them for so long.
“But he’s right in winning second balls, winning big tackles and challenges early on, it must have been a really emotional day for him.
“First start for Leeds against his old club and he’s done really well.”