Anthony Gordon has begun his La Liga preparations in Barcelona after leaving Newcastle United.
Anthony Gordon’s exit feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it? Newcastle United supporters only had one transfer saga etched in their minds as the Premier League season drew to a close.
The Sandro Tonali situation rumbled throughout the campaign but Gordon - sidelined due to the speculation for the final six games - soon became the figure in focus. Toon chiefs acted quickly to strike a £70million deal with Barcelona, who pipped Bayern Munich to his signature.
That was a mere 75 days ago - and a lot has happened since. Tonali soon followed Gordon out of the door for £100million.
Eddie Howe’s resignation continued the exodus before Bruno Guimaraes jumped ship at the weekend. Matthias Jaissle is now tasked with picking up the pieces and leading the Newcastle rebuild.
Barcelona drop Anthony Gordon footage
Of the four high-profile players - Alexander Isak being the other - to leave in the last 12 months, Gordon did so the most amicably. Joining a foreign club appeared to soften the blow for Newcastle fans.
He was given an extended off-season break due to his England commitments at the World Cup. However, Gordon is now back in training and getting to know his Barcelona teammates for the first time.
The club’s social media team have posted several clips and photos of the 25-year-old being put through his paces. Gordon might need to use some of that £300,000 per week paycheck to invest in some sun cream given the intense Catalonian heat…
Anthony Gordon’s farewell message
"To Newcastle, three-and-a-half seasons have flown by, and it feels like I’ve been here all my life,” a lengthy farewell began. “I arrived as a young boy who had just left home and didn’t know what was to come, but from the very first day I knew I had come to the right place. I joined Newcastle because I felt my ambitions matched those of the club, the staff, and the players, and from my first session I knew this was the place I needed to be.
"To my teammates, staff, and coaching staff, I’m so thankful and grateful that I got to share every day with you all. I wouldn’t be the person or player I am without all of you pushing me each day and the special relationships I’ve been able to build during my time here.
“The Newcastle culture is one of the best there is in terms of discipline, teamwork, and simply being around good people. Every training session and every game in a Newcastle shirt, I knew my team had my back, and I never took that feeling for granted. It’s very rare to find people who want you to succeed as much as you want to yourself, and I felt that every single day. Even in the toughest times, I never took for granted how special it was to come into training every day and be part of this culture and environment.
"To the fans, I arrived in very difficult circumstances, but you still believed in me from day one, and I was determined to prove you all right. From the moment I heard my song at Chelsea, I knew I had to give you all something to cheer for, and I hope you know I gave absolutely everything I had for you and for the club.
“Some of the nights we’ve had at SJP are unforgettable and created some of the best atmospheres I’ve ever witnessed. I hope you get the success you all deserve for the incredible commitment you show in supporting Newcastle, and it has been my pleasure to play in front of you, home and away.
"These years have been so successful for both the club and me personally — qualifying for the Champions League two out of three years after being away from the competition for so long, and winning the club’s first trophy in 60 years. I’m so proud to say I’ve been a part of this period in the club’s history.
"I’m going to miss everything about Newcastle, and it truly has been the best years of my life. On and off the pitch, I’ve made memories that will stay with me forever. I’m no longer a Newcastle player, but I’ll always be a Newcastle fan, and I’ll continue to watch and support from afar. Thank you for everything, Anthony."
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