Following discussions between Newcastle United and Steven Taylor, it has been agreed that Steven will leave the Club



Following discussions between Newcastle United and Steven Taylor, it has been agreed that Steven will leave the Club upon the expiry of his existing contract.

The 30-year-old defender, who made his 268th and final appearance for the Magpies in their 5-1 win over Tottenham on the final day of the season, leaves St. James' Park after 13 seasons on Tyneside.

United manager Rafa Benitez said: "Steven has been a very good player for this Club for a long time and his character and personality has always been very positive, including during difficult times.

"I would like to thank Steven for his service and I wish him well for his future."

Managing director Lee Charnley added: "I have known Steven since he first joined the Club as a teenager and during that time his enthusiasm and love for the Club has never wavered.

"He has always shown great commitment over the years. He has also been a superb ambassador for the Club, representing Newcastle United at countless community and charitable events across the region during his time with us. I wish him all the very best for the future."

Taylor said: "It will be a huge wrench to leave Newcastle but I've been offered exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge.

"I've loved my time at Newcastle. I'll always be a huge fan of the Club and I'll be returning to St James' Park as a supporter whenever I can."

Taylor earned a scholarship with United's Academy in July 2002 and signed his first professional contract with the Club, aged 17, in July 2003.

He made his first team debut for Newcastle on 25th March, 2004, against Real Mallorca in the UEFA Cup and followed that up by making his first appearance in the Premiership three days later at Bolton Wanderers.

Taylor won England caps from under-16 level right through to England 'B' level, representing his country on 58 occasions, many as captain, and scoring seven goals. He was called up to the full England squad for the first time for the friendly against Germany on 22nd August, 2007.