Nigeria World Cup striker Shola Ameobi admits he's sad to be leaving Newcastle United.
The Geordie's contract expires next week.
"It's where I grew up. It's the city I love and the football club I've supported all my life, so I've been very privileged to play at the club for so long," he told 442.
"It's such a fantastic club that really has been a blessing to me. To have my family and my friends in the town that I love has been great.
"It's obviously a sad time for me leaving, but I've had fantastic memories good and bad.
"It's going to be strange not going back there next season, but life goes on."
