Mohamed Diame’s time at St James’ Park has run its course, and the 31-year-old will leave Newcastle when his contract expires on June 30.
The central midfielder is just one of eleven players from the first-team and academy to not be offered a new deal with the Magpies, with Cal Roberts, Josef Yarney, Tyrique Bartlett, Juanito, Otto Huuhtanen, Stefan O’Connor, Max Allen, Thomas Cole, Sam Joyce and Deece Kasinga Madia all shown the exit door.
Diame’s exit will see the former Senegal international move on from Tyneside having played 103 games for the club – the joint-most appearances at a single side of his career, which includes stints with Wigan Athletic, West Ham United and Hull City.
With Ki Sung-Yueng and Jonjo Shelvey often out of the starting XI through injuries or international duty, Diame made what proved to be his final 29 appearances for United in the season just gone, but failed to add to his eight goals, three assists.
Clearly his time on Tyneside left an impression, though, as following the announcement of his exit, Diame took to Twitter to post a farewell message.
I’d just like to say I have loved every minute of my time here, once a magpie always a magpie ????????⚽#NUFC
— Mohamed Diame (@MohamedDiame17) June 5, 2019
“I’d just like to say I have loved every minute of my time here,” the 35-cap outbound ace wrote. “Once a magpie always a magpie.”
Here’s a selection of the replies…
Had the pleasure of meeting Mo at the training ground once. Very friendly.
His form and partnership alongside Jonjo Shelvey was one of crucial reasons we stayed up in 2017/18.
Played like a £50m midfielder at times and always gave everything.
Good luck for the future Mo! #NUFC
— The Toon Network (@TheToonNetwork) June 5, 2019
Good luck Mo, we’ll never forget that goal v Brighton.
— Dan Nolan (@Dan_Nolan) June 5, 2019
All the best Mo thanks for the memories and conversations. A gentleman ⚫️⚪️????????
— Gavin Haigh (@gav411haigh) June 5, 2019
Good luck and thanks for some great times especially the goal at Brighton away championship season
— Steve Tilley (@Tilleymanjaro) June 6, 2019
Best wishes for your future Big Mo. You did the black and white shirt proud and we will always appreciate your effort ????????
— john spry (@sprydaman) June 5, 2019
Well done Kidda…appreciate your efforts for our club…all the best moving forward
— Mark Blades (@Mark_Blades) June 5, 2019
Thanks for everything you did at #nufc and good luck for the future Mo.
— UncleBingo #RevokeA50 (@read_avidly) June 5, 2019
You were brilliant mate, good luck for the future! ????????
— BUDAPEST69 (@BUDAPEST691) June 5, 2019
All the best mo, you have been superb. Shame to see you leave
— Shaun (@ShaunGrey22) June 5, 2019
All the very best Mo. You have been a superb pro and player for us. You will always be a Magpie
— Gary Simm (@StJamesMecca) June 5, 2019
Ups and downs but you gave it your all.. thanks for that magic touch against Brighton ⚫️⚪️
— Jonny Pickard (@JonnyPickard24) June 5, 2019
???????? brilliant man your time here you served us well. All the best on your next challenge #nufc
— Marc Teesdale (@Marct009) June 6, 2019