Kieran Trippier, 31, was the last man to leave the pitch as he waved and greeted the home fans after Atlético de Madrid opened their 2022 calendar with a win over Rayo Vallecano.
The Englishman joined Los Rojiblancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 and played a key part in the side’s 2020 LaLiga title win, even earning a place on the LaLiga team of the season.
As an Atlético player, he has also become a key figure in the Three Lions of England setup, more than he was while at Tottenham.
Trippier has been the subject of rumours of a transfer back to the Premier League since helping Atlético win LaLiga last season. He almost joined Manchester United, but for the €25 million valuation by the Spanish giants which United we’re unwilling to match.
The right back has also made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League but continues to be professional while donning the Atlético kit.
But after his actions at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, it seems like Trippier has played his last game for the club following a reported bid for his signature from Newcastle United.
Newcastle determined to make Trippier first winter signing
The newly rich Premier League side managed by former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe have targeted Kieran Trippier as their first signing for what should be a busy January window at St. James’ Park.
Howe worked with Trippier when he was manager at Burnley before the right back moved to Spurs. He is said to be the driving force behind Newcastle going after Trippier.
The Magpies reportedly submitted a formal bid to Atlético for Trippier on January 1 and the defender’s actions after the Rayo Vallecano game could very well mean that he is on his way out of Spain and back to the Premier League.
Trippier’s family made some sacrifices as they left their lives in England behind to settle abroad with him as he tried to be part of a winning project and get his career back on track.
Having done that with silverware to boot, the 31-year-old is ready to return to England and resettle his family in their home country.
“I know what I have come here to do and I’ve done it,” Trippier told Sportsmail in an interview last year. “I would love to play in the Premier League again.”
Atlético want Trippier to stay, says Diego Simeone
The manager was quizzed about Trippier’s actions after the game and the whole situation surrounding his continuity at the Spanish capital club.
“As I said the other day, it always depends on the footballer to [determine] what can happen.
“We want him and hope he stays with us but it is clear today that when a player wants to leave he can’t be retained.
“You can’t hold on to anyone in life if they don’t want to stay.”
A young Atlético fan demonstrated the club’s love for the Englishman during the game.
The young fan displayed a homemade sign asking the 31-year-old to stay.
Unfortunately, it may not make a difference but it shows how much Trippier is loved by many at the Wanda Metropolitano and how difficult his exit would be taken.
