Kieran Trippier has bid an emotional farewell to Newcastle United, describing himself as devastated to be leaving a club he calls the longest stint of his career — and the one that has moved him most deeply.

In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the 35-year-old right back reflected on four transformative years on Tyneside, a period in which he arrived as a lifeline signing and departs as one of the most consequential figures in the club's modern history.

The signing that changed everything

When Newcastle's Saudi Arabian-backed ownership completed their takeover in late 2021, the club were in genuine peril. Months into the new era, they were cash-rich but rooted near the foot of the Premier League table, staring relegation in the face. The January 2022 transfer window was critical — and Trippier was the first move.

At the time, he was a fully established England international playing Champions League football with Atletico Madrid. He had every reason to stay in Madrid, yet he chose to take a chance on a project still very much unproven. That leap of faith opened the door for the arrivals that followed — Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali among them.

It is difficult to overstate how pivotal that decision was. Without Trippier's endorsement, Newcastle's rebuild could have collapsed at its foundations.

Character before the armband

His influence extended far beyond statistics. On his very first appearance — an FA Cup tie against Cambridge United — Newcastle suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat. As his teammates trudged off with heads bowed, Trippier turned them around and led them back to acknowledge the supporters. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the standards he intended to set.

Those standards helped shape the club that went on to win the Carabao Cup, ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. Trippier was central to that triumph, with or without the captain's armband.

Farewell words and a warning

Speaking after Newcastle's final home match of the season against West Ham, Trippier was candid about how much the club means to him.