Moussa Sissoko has told Newcastle United supporters that it was a "necessity" for him to leave St James' Park.
The 27-year-old, whose performances for France at Euro 2016 received plenty of plaudits, joined Tottenham Hotspur on transfer deadline day in a £30m deal.
The midfielder reportedly decided that he wanted to leave Newcastle when the club were relegated to the Championship, and he did not make a single appearance during the Magpies' first five league games of the season.
On Instagram, Sissoko thanked the Newcastle fans, insisting that he will "never forget" his time at the North-East outfit.
"As you know, a new adventure begins for me," the midfielder wrote. "Despite the difficulties, I decided to join Tottenham. This choice was a necessity and I needed a new challenge.
"While I know that this decision can make Newcastle fans sad and disappointed, I want them to know that I will never forget. I've always played with heart for them and the club. I've enjoyed the atmosphere of St. James' Park every game. I've liked living in Newcastle and I've found a warmth that contrasted with the cold of the English north.
"This heat around the club, initiated by the fans, has often warmed my heart while I was far from my friends and my family. There were good and bad times. Relegation was clearly an emotional pain for the whole city. But the heart of this city beats for this club and I have no doubt it will come back very quickly to the top level. It deserves it.
"This heart I felt it beat, scold, laugh, love and hate. But it is brave and warm. Personally, my three years at NUFC will remain unforgettable. I'll never forget it. And it will forever be in my heart and a part of me. Thank you all!"
In three-and-a-half years at Newcastle, Sissoko made 133 appearances and scored 12 goals.
