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Papiss Cisse has paid tribute to the Newcastle United faithful after almost half a decade of service at St James’ Park.

The Senegal international has left the Magpies to join Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Premier League, and is understood to have turned down Premier League interest from Hull City, Watford and West Brom.

Cisse scored 44 goals for Newcastle, including some memorable strikes in Europe and a wonderful brace away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After completing the move to China, Cisse told the Chronicle : “I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for Newcastle fans.

“I will never forget them as long as I live and will be back at St James’ Park as a supporter alongside them some day.

“Every goal I scored in that famous No 9 shirt was for them.

“I hope the team are quickly back in the Premier League.

“We had some great times together and hopefully under Rafa those times return.”

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A Newcastle United statement after the deal read: “Cisse joined the Magpies in January 2012 from SC Freiburg and scored 44 goals in 131 appearances for the Club.