Dan Burn has thanked Brighton & Hove Albion and the club's fans for a fantastic three years on the south coast.
The central defender joined Newcastle United ahead of the transfer deadline, and has paid tribute to the club and supporters he leaves behind.
He said, "It has been a fantastic three years with Brighton & Hove Albion. The transfer came as a surprise. I had no desire to leave, but the opportunity to join my hometown club Newcastle United was the only way I would have wanted to leave. While I am excited to begin this new chapter, I am also sad to be ending another.
"There are so many people I would like to thank. The chairman Tony Bloom and his family. He has been a pleasure to play for, and along with Paul Barber and Dan Ashworth, he has such a brilliant vision and has achieved so much on behalf of the club.
"Graham Potter and his staff Billy, Bjorn, Bruno and Ben have been superb to work under. Over the last two and a half seasons I have learned a lot playing for Graham. I will miss him and his team and all the lads.
"They have been a pleasure to play alongside. It is a great squad, tight-knit and that created a great environment to come in and train each day and I loved every minute. I have no doubt this squad can achieve something special for the club.
"The fans have been amazing although we missed them so much for half of those three years, but what an unforgettable night it was when they were finally allowed to come back into the Amex, albeit in limited numbers, for the Manchester City game at the end of last season.
"That was a real high point for the team and for me personally, to finally get my first goal for the club and the winner on a memorable night.
"Brighton has been a hugely successful period of my career and it’s been a memorable time for me off the pitch. We had my son down here, and I have loved seeing my family grow up as part of the community and living in Brighton & Hove.
"As I said, Newcastle were the only club who could have tempted me away. My wife and I grew up in the north-east and our families are both from the area, and as a boy I was a season-ticket holder at St James' Park.
"I am sure any football fan will appreciate that's a hard call to ignore but, second to Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, the city and those associated with the club will always have a special place in my heart.
"My focus now is on doing a good job for Newcastle United, but I wish Brighton all the very best for the future."