Newcastle United have loaned out Aleksandar Mitrovic to Championship side Fulham until the end of the season and as the striker left St James Park he spoke about his love for the club and the respect he had for owner Mike Ashley.
The fact remains, the controversial Serbian has never met the Newcastle owner, which I find quite staggering.
So, if Ashley has meddled in team selection (as some fans have suggested) it certainly hasn't been at player level or in the dressing room.
United's FA Cup team selection has long been questioned by supporters. Did Ashley contribute to it? Dis he give instructions to the manager?
The Serbian joinedNewcastle in 2015 and has seen his time plagued by injuries and suspension but nevertheless was very popular with the Geordie faithful who loved his all-action style and never-say-die attitude.
He scored 14 goals in 65 appearances for the Magpies but has seen precious little playing time under boss Rafael Benitez and it was becoming increasingly apparent that the 23-year-old was surplus to requirements.
The majority of fans wanted to see the player given a chance to revive his career at the club but it was not to be and the fact that only three loan signings were brought in during January meant a lot of frustration was directed towards the Newcastle board especially Ashley.
However, despite being frozen out by Benitez the Serbian said he had no hard feelings towards the Toon and indeed wished them luck for the future.
”For me Newcastle is such a big club and he (Benitez) knows it as well,” Mitrovic said in an article in The Times.
”It has an amazing stadium and fans, it deserves to be in a much better position than it is now. Benitez saw the potential of this big club. I hope they stay in the Premier League, they deserve this.
”I never met Mike Ashley, he was my boss and I have to respect him. I will say Newcastle has a big history and I hope the club will be where it should be.”
Mitrovic made his debut for his new club last Saturday in the Cottagers two-goal victory over Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle return to action on Sunday afternoon when they entertain Manchester United in a huge clash at St James Park.