Former Magpies captain Fabricio Coloccini has had his deal with the club terminated by mutual consent, according to reports from BBC.
The player left the recently relegated club from top flight football in England to the Championship and is back to his native country Argentina to play in San Lorenzo.
The 34-year old player made 275 appearances since joining them from Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruna eight years ago. Managing director of the club told Newcastle website: “It is rare in football these days that a player gives such length of service to one club. In the eight years he has been with us, Colo has become a firm friend and colleague to many players and staff, past and present, who I know will miss him.”
Coloccini made his debut at Old Trafford and later went on captain the Newcastle squad with time. The player opted to return to his homeland following the relegation from the Premier League. Many players have been sold as the club tries to accommodate the new status in the lower division. The club sold Andros Townsend to Crystal Palace and eventually replaced the player with Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth.
Ritchie becomes the third signing at Saint James Park this summer, after striker Dwight Gayle and goal keeper Matz Sels. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool coach, who opted to remain at the club when they were relegated despite having a clause that could have prevented him from doing so, has declared that the club need not sell more players as they adjust to their new status.
Rafa Benitez told Sky Sports News HQ: “We knew we might lose players, especially Andros because he had a great season and he wanted to play in the Premier League. Then you have to react quickly and we were ready.” Newcastle are planning a return to the Premier League as soon as possible.