Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles admits he was ‘really sad’ when the Magpies sold midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest in January.
That’s what the defender recently wrote in his programme notes, as relayed by Chronicle Live.
The pair were Toon teammates for seven years, and they were key players in getting the club promoted back into the Premier League in 2017.
“I was really sad to see Jonjo leave the club on Tuesday,” Lascelles wrote.
“He came into the dressing room after the game to say his goodbyes and he did a little speech, and it was a poignant moment.
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“We’ve both been part of the group who were there in the Championship and managed to get back into the Premier League. We’ve been on the journey together and he’s our vice-captain for quite a few years so he’s going to be a big miss.
“He’s been a great player for us and he’s such a loyal, trustworthy person. We will be keeping in touch and I wish him all the best – I’m sure he will do really well at Nottingham Forest.”
Lascelles was really sad after Shelvey’s departure
During his seven-year stint at the club, Shelvey made 202 appearances for Newcastle in which he amassed 18 goals and 25 assists.
The 30-year-old was always a staple in the side’s midfield, with the natural talent to spray the ball around the field with his incredible range of passing.
However, with his contract running down at St James’ Park, the former England international wanted more security for his future.
Therefore, when Forest came in for him, it seemed like a no-brainer for the player.
With the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff excelling in Eddie Howe’s midfield, game-time was no longer promised for the 30-year-old.
Thus, for his football career, it made sense for Shelvey to make the Premier League switch to the Tricky Trees.
However, it’s a shame he left before Newcastle get to enjoy their success at the end of the season, after an emphatic campaign.