Newcastle bids farewell to captain Jade North in Friday’s night Hyundai A-League match against the Central Coast Mariners.
The 26-year-old North will play his final game in the Hyundai A-League this season before he heads off to Korea to take up a contract with Incheon United FC.
The Jets foundation player said Boxing Day’s F3 Derby will be a bittersweet occasion.
“It is going to be some mixed emotions as I have been here right from the start and I have seen this club grow and grow.”
“But it (the transfer) is something that has come up and I am really looking forward to it.”
“It is a challenge for my football but also off the field to adapt to life over there. I am really looking forward to the challenge and it is going to be a complete change for me.”
North said negotiations for the contract were completed in a matter of weeks and he had talked with his team-mates of the decision, including Korean import Song Jin-Hyung.
“A lot of the times you hear stuff and nothing happens of it. But then I heard this one and it happened really quickly,” North said.
“Song has been alright but I will have to ask him a few more questions before I go but I am sure they will help me out a bit over there.”
Jets chief executive John Tsatsimas said it is with pride and sadness that the club says farewell to its skipper.
“On behalf of the club I would like to thank him for the efforts he has put into this club,” he said.
“He is a foundation player and he has made this club proud and we are proud to have him.”
“He has been our talisman at the back and led us to a Championship so from our club on behalf of the chairman, myself and the rest of the club we would like to wish him all the best not only in his football career but also his family.”
“He will always be close to our hearts.”
