Tim Krul insists he has “nothing but praise” for Newcastle United - and has revealed he is likely to move back to the North East once he retires.
The Dutch international left St James’ Park last month following a 12-year association with the club, initially joining to Brighton and Hove Albion on loan before the move was turned into a permanent deal.
Rafa Benitez made the decision to prioritise United’s current set of goalkeepers - who Krul believes will serve the club - and instead told the 29-year-old he could find another club over the summer.
Though Krul admits it was difficult to leave a club for who he made 185 appearances spread across 11 seasons, he takes comfort from the fact that he will one day return to his “second home”.
Krul married his wife in the North East, while his daughter was also born on Tyneside.
“It’s been a great journey,” Krul said, reflecting on his time at Newcastle following his new club Brighton’s 1-0 victory over the Magpies on Sunday.
“It’s a new chapter now. Of course, at the moment it’s mad playing against a team you’ve played for for 11 seasons.
“It was amazing. I can’t say anything but praise. It’s a second home. Listen, I came as a 17-year-old. I got married there and my little girl was born there.
“Obviously, it’s major chapter in my life.
“My message to the Newcastle fans is just what I said in my tweet - a massive thank you. They were there for me through the bad times and the good times.
“It’s been an amazing journey, a rollercoaster. It’s never dull there, for sure. I’ll probably even move back there after my career.”
Former Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper, who spent a month on loan at Brighton in 2011, encouraged Krul to move to the Seagulls once it became clear the Dutchman did not have a future on Tyneside.
While Krul himself insists the presence of Chris Hughton - with who he won the Championship title at Newcastle in 2009/10 - in the Brighton dugout also played a crucial role in him opting to move to the south coast.
“I’ve always been in touch with Steve and Shay [Given]. They were there at the start,” Krul added.
“Obviously, Harps was here for a month. The first thing he said was that there were some really good people here and that the facilities were great. He said I’d love it.
“The set-up is amazing here. Chris is definitely a big part [in why I came here]. They’ve come up after a great season in the Championship.
“They’re looking to push forward again. It was an opportunity in the Premier League, which is what I wanted.
“I wanted to stay at the highest level. I’ve obviously worked with Chris before, so I knew what I was going to get. I liked what they were saying.
“They’ve got a great team spirit and some great players as well. It’s definitely a club on the up.”