Joselu may never have set the world alight during his time at St James’ Park, but loads of Newcastle supporters have been quick to wish the Spaniard well in his future endeavours having joined Deportivo Alaves on a three-year contract.
The striker leaves Tyneside after just two-years, having joined Rafa Benitez’s squad following our return to the Premier League for a reported £5million, along with putting pen to paper on a £40,000-a-week contract.
He had entered the final year of his deal with the Magpies, however, and has now returned to Spain on a permanent deal seven years after leaving Real Madrid’s academy for TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
The Chronicle believe the deal to take Joselu to the Mendizorrotza Stadium has set the Babazorros back close to £2.5million, although Football Espana have suggested the fee in mind is closer to €2million (£1.8million).
In return, Alaves have signed a 29-year-old forward who scored seven goals in 52 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions, with the second of his Premier League strikes for the Magpies securing the Toon a draw at home to Liverpool.
Joselu has now taken to social media to share his gratitude for how the St James’ Park faithful received him over the past two years, noting: “The time has come to say goodbye.
“I just can say thank you. Incredible Stadium, city, club and people. Wish you all the best for the upcoming season.”
Here’s how these United fans reacted to Joselu’s exit and his farewell message…
Won’t miss you. In fact, I thought you were actually sold last transfer window ????
— Lee Barnes (@barneslee91) July 15, 2019
Shame it never worked out fully. You gave 100% and thats all we ask. Good luck at Alaves!
— Jay (@Nufcjay1892) July 15, 2019
Good luck.
And congratulations on your escape.— Liam (@Liam_Reay83) July 15, 2019
Best of luck mate ! Bet you’re well glad to be out of the NUFC circus ran by two of the biggest clowns imaginable!!
— Steve Johnston (@Sjohnston7Steve) July 15, 2019
Good luck big man. Thank you for your hard work
— Kriss⚫️⚪️ (@KrissNufc12) July 15, 2019
Good luck, Joselu. You succeeded where Riviere failed by knowing where the goal was and succeeded where Doumbia failed by knowing where the stadium was. If you’re ever in Namco Fanscape at the Metro Centre we’ll have a go on the arcades together.
— NUFCThreatLevel (@NUFCThreatLevel) July 15, 2019
Good luck, you gave your all and that’s all we ask.
— Graeme Robson (@graemerab) July 15, 2019
Jumped at the right time m8
— mickclark6441 (@mickclark6441) July 15, 2019
Unfortunately you couldn’t take Ashley with you ????????????
Have a nice time lad
— jamie (@ShagMeSchar) July 15, 2019
I know you got some stick from the fans but you always put the effort in and we can’t ask for more than that. Best of luck at Alaves. ⚫️⚪️
— Andy Gurr (@andy_gurr) July 15, 2019
You’re better off out of it lad. Good luck
— Ryan Batchelor (@BatchyFTB) July 15, 2019
Thanks and good luck – you are well out of the toxic set up at Sorts Direct United
— Harry Keogh (@HarryKeogh5) July 15, 2019
Good luck Joselu lad, recieved alot of undue abuse. Hope you manage to prove all your doubters wrong muchacho x
— Joel. (@Joel_R_91) July 15, 2019