Newcastle United star has given an assurance to his manager, teammates and supporters
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United
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Kieran Trippier has vowed to go out on a high at Newcastle United after insisting his job isn't done despite announcing his departure at the end of the season.
Trippier released an emotional statement over the weekend as he revealed he would be parting company with the club after four years on Tyneside.
The full-back has played a pivotal role in the rise of the Magpies under Eddie Howe from a relegation-threatened side when he first joined to winning silverware and qualifying for the Champions League twice.
The 35-year-old is determined that his swansong won't be a damp squib, however. The former England international is already fully focused on finishing the season strongly and guiding Newcastle into Europe.
The Magpies sit 12th in the Premier League table after an inconsistent season, and were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland last time out. However, with seven games left - starting with Crystal Palace on Sunday, April 12, there is still time to turn their fortunes around.
"Me coming out now and saying I'm leaving doesn't matter," Trippier said. "You're still going to get 100 per cent commitment from myself - the manager knows that, my teammates know that. If I play or I don't play, it doesn't matter, I'm still supportive of the team.
"But of course we want to finish in Europe, I want to help my teammates finish in Europe for next season because it's really important for the club to move forward. We've got seven massive games and it starts with Palace."
Howe has already spoken about the strength of feeling he has for Trippier and is under no illusion that the defender will do everything he can to help guide the club into Europe at the end of the season.
The Newcastle boss said: "While we’ll be saying goodbye to Kieran shortly, we also know we have a lot left to play for this season, and I know a player of Kieran’s character will be giving absolutely everything to end his time here on a high.”
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Trippier, meanwhile, has admitted he has had a few offers for his services once he departs St James' Park. The right-back has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, the MLS in the United States, and Turkey.
"There's a few things in the pipeline," he revealed. "I don't really want to say much because I want to be respectful towards the club. That will get sorted when it gets sorted.
"I just want to focus on Palace and the remaining games ahead to give my all, as I always have done, for the football club. Whatever will happen in the future will happen and I'm just excited for that."
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