Emil Krafth will bid farewell to Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday, with the 31-year-old set to be recognised during half-time against West Ham before his contract expires this summer. The defender, known as Krafu, is leaving after seven years on Tyneside with 106 appearances and a Carabao Cup winners medal to his name.
He arrived from French side Amiens in 2019 and became part of the squad remembered for helping Newcastle’s fortunes turn after Eddie Howe’s appointment in the 2021/22 season. His departure closes a spell that included both injury setbacks and one of the club’s most successful recent periods.
Krafth said he had made amazing memories at Newcastle United and was proud to call the city home. He said the move had brought up and down moments on a personal level, along with difficult times with injury, but that he had always felt brilliant support from the fans, team-mates, coaching staff and everyone connected to the club.
Howe said Krafth has embodied what it means to be a Newcastle United player on and off the pitch and deserves the send-off he will receive this weekend. The Newcastle manager said Krafth had been a big part of the club’s success over the last few seasons and praised his positive mentality and professionalism even when injury limited his minutes.
Ross Wilson said Sunday’s match gives everyone at St. James' Park the perfect opportunity to show their appreciation for Krafth’s contribution. The club’s farewell is not just a goodbye to a squad player who filled gaps when needed; it is a public salute to a figure who stayed through the setbacks, helped shape the rise and leaves with the respect of the dressing room and the stands. Krafth said he will keep following Newcastle’s journey from afar, and the way the club is preparing to send him off suggests he will not be forgotten quickly.
