Eddie Howe says he gave his “life, heart and soul” to Newcastle in the head coach’s first statement since leaving the Magpies after nearly five years in charge on Thursday.
Englishman Howe’s departure, which came a day after a 4-1 friendly defeat to Championship club Bristol City, has been part of a turbulent summer for the club featuring the sales of England winger Anthony Gordon and Italy playmaker Sandro Tonali, with Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also thought to be closing in on a move to Arsenal.
“Although it’s been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know, in my heart, that it’s the right one,” said Howe.
“I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made while I’ve been here and this one is no different.
“It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United.”
More to follow
