Fernández Gone

[Jammy89]

Has left to join Elche CF.

Defender Federico Fernández has left Newcastle United to join Elche CF after just over four years at St. James' Park.

The 33-year-old Argentina international joined the Magpies in August 2018, from Swansea City, and made 89 appearances for the club, scoring twice and captaining the team on occasion in the absence of regular skipper Jamaal Lascelles.

A popular player with supporters, staff and team-mates, he struggled with injuries last term and played only twice under Eddie Howe, but the head coach has previously spoken of the former Napoli man's influence off the pitch, while he frequently demonstrated his abilities on it during his time on Tyneside.

And he has now signed for the La Liga side, who are currently 17th in Spain's top flight, on a permanent basis.

Fernández departs with the best wishes of everybody at Newcastle United and the club thanks him for his service.

A shame but age was against him and I don't think he has ever really recovered from covid.

But it means another reasonable wage off the bill and another player we won't annoy by not giving a squad place to.

[Zippity]

Really good defender when he was available and a positive influence around the team, it would seem.

Good luck to him.

[ex_pat_magpie]

Good servant to the club and a decent player when on song and free of injury/illness. I'm sure we all wish him well for the rest of his career.

[toptoon]

A good centre half and a real tough nut. He’s been really unlucky with injuries and now with Burn and Botman joining the club this is best for everyone.

[trinitoon]

Funny that: my daughter used to play for Elche. So I was there on a weekly basis.

Just funny seeing the coincidence.

[Zippity]

Funny that: my daughter used to play for Elche. So I was there on a weekly basis.

Just funny seeing the coincidence.

Aye? Ha, canny, that, Trini.

Does she still play?

[Jammy89]

Funny that: my daughter used to play for Elche. So I was there on a weekly basis.

Just funny seeing the coincidence.

Remember you saying about that before.

Wasn't it because there was no oppertunity for girls here at the time?

Or am I imagining that?

[sherwoodmag]

He was arguably our best defender a couple of years ago before injury and covid.

[trinitoon]

Aye? Ha, canny, that, Trini.

Does she still play?

Aye, in England. Trying to convince her to try out for Newcastle but she's having none of it... Loves London too much... but I'm working on it.

[trinitoon]

Remember you saying about that before.

Wasn't it because there was no oppertunity for girls here at the time?

Or am I imagining that?

I was moaning about the state of female football. But hopefully, the Lionesses will change that. She has 3 England caps already but only at College level.