Jamaal Lascelles gets emotional as he talks about Newcastle United and his next challenge

Jamaal Lascelles has been reflecting on his time at Newcastle United and what could come next for the central defender.

Arriving at St James’ Park from Nottingham Forest as a 20-year-old in 2014, Jamaal Lascelles signed on at the same time as Forest keeper Karl Darlow.

The pair went straight back to Forest for a one season loan, before then spending many years at NUFC.

For Jamaal Lascelles, injuries and the rising quality of signings at Newcastle United had led to very limited playing opportunities, only two sub appearances last season before a short-term deal at Leicester City was agreed until the end of the season.

None of this though takes away from the fact that Jamaal Lascelles was a brilliant servant to Newcastle United, somebody who stood up to be counted and was a true leader across many difficult years under Mike Ashley’s ownership.

Jamaal Lascelles getting emotional in this interview as he talks about United, also how he hopes to find his next challenge very soon.

Jamaal Lascelles telling Sky Sports: “I absolutely love Newcastle. I think I was there since I was 21. Seen everything, different managers, relegation, promotion, everything. So it was really difficult to go. I did mean to go back and say a proper goodbye because it was sort of rushed in the January transfer window. More so the fans really because I’m not on social media. I wasn’t really able to put out a message to say bye properly but I would love to go back and just say a proper goodbye and a thank you, more than anything, to the fans. I can’t thank them enough, so supportive. Obviously very passionate…I would just like to say thank you to them.”

The Sky Sports reporter asking: “Here we are going into the September international break, is it a strange feeling for you with not having a club at the moment?”

Jamaal Lascelles: “Yes, it is a position I have never been in before. A lot of uncertainty but I have been ticking over on my fitness, following a programme. Hoping for the right team to come along and join, get back to playing football, so hopefully it can change soon. I need to be playing football.”

Sky Sports reporter: “Are you quite open minded about what comes next?”

Jamaal Lascelles: “Yes, I am. Obviously I have a family and so I have to think of them, they are settled in schools and football teams, but I am open minded with where I go. It is about getting back playing football, it is all I know. It was only last season I was at Newcastle training with those players, made a few appearances for Newcastle and obviously Leicester, so it isn’t like I have not been around [football], not been involved. Very much fit, very much hungry, still only 32 which for a centre-half is young. Well, not young, but it is a good age. So if somebody wants to give me the opportunity I would love the challenge.”

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