Saint-Maximin bids farewell to Newcastle after completing Al-Ahli switch

Allan Saint-Maximin has bid an emotional farewell to Newcastle fans on social media after completing a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on a three-year deal.

The Frenchman, who joined the Magpies in 2019, has signed a deal with the side who are owned by Saudi's Public Investment Fund and also have an 80% stake in Newcastle.

Since arriving on Tyneside four years ago, Saint-Maximin has been plagued by injury issues and has only scored 12 goals in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old took to Twitter to share his thoughts on his time in England, saying: "Four years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time.

"At that moment, I hadn't realised that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie.

"I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me.

"I'm leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that's my greatest trophy because I was a part of it.

"I love you, I love you sincerely, I love you like a Geordie brother. Once a Geordie, always a Geordie."

The club have also passed on their best wishes to the former Nice winger through a statement on their club website.

It read: "Allan Saint-Maximin has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for an undisclosed fee, bringing his four-year spell at Newcastle United to an end.

"The French forward joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019 and went on to make 124 appearances for the club, scoring on 13 occasions and registering 21 assists.

"The 26-year-old helped United to a 13th-placed finish in his first season in the Premier League, followed by 12th and 11th in the following campaigns.

"Last season, he made 25 league appearances as the Magpies finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League, as well as making six outings in the Carabao Cup as the club reached the final.

"Everyone at Newcastle United thanks Allan for his contribution to the club and community and extends best wishes for the next chapter in his career."

Their statement was followed by a lengthy montage of Saint-Maximin's best moments for the Magpies over the last four years.