Rondon tells Albion fans: You’ll forever be in my heart
SALOMON Rondon has sent a heartfelt message to the Albion fans after joining Newcastle on a season-long loan.
Rondon has joined the Magpies with Dwight Gayle heading to The Hawthorns as part of a 12-month swap deal.
The Venezuelan striker, who was not in the squad for Albion’s opening-day defeat to Bolton, signed a four-year contract when he joined from Zenit St Petersburg in August 2015. The deal included a year’s option in West Brom’s favour.
The 28-year-old took to Twitter to pay tribute to the Baggies’ fans and the club.
“The Baggies fans will forever be in my heart,” said Rondon. “They made me feel at home from day one & I’ll be eternally grateful for how they supported my family and I.
“Playing at the Hawthorns and giving my all for @WBA has been one of the best experiences of my life. I wish you all the best.”
Rondon arrived at Albion with a one-in-two strike-rate at almost all of his previous clubs. Yet the South American struggled to make the grade in the Premier League, scoring just 24 goals in 108 games.
After making the move to Newcastle, he added: “It’s an honour to be here and I’m excited to get started with my team-mates.
“The clubs were talking for a long time and now I’m focused on the season to help my team-mates to get the points to do well this season.”
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez added: “I am delighted to sign Salomon.
“When we were looking for options up front, we knew how important experience would be. Salomon has been in the Premier League for a while and he knows how demanding it is.”