... there was a hint today that Ben Arfa is admitting he was the party in the wrong!
He is on a season-long loan at Hull City, and it is down to Steve Bruce to get more out of him than Pardew ever did.
Yes he is a rare talent. Arguably the best player on Newcastle's books. But did his form drop because of his rift with Pardew?
The fans thought so, but suddenly the Frenchman seems to have dropped the ball.
Ben Arfa told Sport Confidentiel: “In the past, I only thought about myself. I thought I was alone in the world.
“I am very fragile, too fragile.
“Being a free agent next summer? It is huge pressure.
"I have used up all my credits. It is like playing Mario - I have one life remaining, I have to take care, but I will take on the challenge.
“Playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe? I will achieve it.”
So it seems we may have seen the very last of Hatem in a black and white shirt.
But, you know what? I think his love for Newcastle runs a lot deeper than that.
He can be a Toon legend ... if only he gets his head right.