Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius has posted a heartfelt message on social media after starting for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
Karius was brought in by Magpies boss Eddie Howe in September 2022 on a contract lasting until January. But the German has since saw his time at St James' Park extended until the end of the season.
With Nick Pope suspended after being shown a red card in Newcastle's Premier League loss to Liverpool, and No.2 Martin Dubravka cup-tied, Karius stepped up for his first match in 728 days in Sunday's showpiece against Manchester United.
READ MORE: Mohamed Salah agent clears up 'nonsense' Liverpool rumours over Champions League plan
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola sends Liverpool reminder to Man City after Arsenal lead clawed back
The 29-year-old's previous appearance came in February 2021, during a loan spell with Union Berlin from Liverpool, for whom he did not play for again after his disastrous showing in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kyiv. Karius made two costly errors that led to Madrid goals and later that summer he was replaced by Alisson Becker's as the Reds' No.1.
But while Newcastle went down 2-0 to Man United, Karius produced a good display, making a number of impressive saves. And afterwards he took to Instagram to thank fans for their support.
Karius said: "An emotional day for me coming back after such a long time. We tried our best, but, unfortunately, not the result we wanted. I'm sure this is only the beginning for this club. Fans, you were amazing, thank you for your incredible support!"
Newcastle boss Howe said about Karius after the final: “I think he did really well. I think his all-around demeanour was good. His distribution was good.
“I thought he made some great saves. Especially when we were chasing the game. He was always going to have to play well in that second half as we were leaving grass behind our backline.
“He can be really proud of his efforts today.”
READ NEXT:
Luis Diaz linked with Liverpool exit in 'sensational exchange' for AC Milan star
Graham Potter is wrong about Jurgen Klopp because Liverpool and Chelsea couldn't be more different
- Trent Alexander-Arnold fumes at Liverpool team-mate as Jordan Henderson tries to pull fast one
- Sadio Mane is not the player Liverpool have missed most this season and not enough people speak about it
- Arthur Melo 'agreement' revealed as plan for Liverpool midfielder emerges
