As Newcastle United players and staff soaked up the post-match applause from the St James' Park faithful on Monday evening, the show of support will have meant that little bit more to a select few who know they may not experience it again. Eddie Howe has consistently spoken about having to bid emotional farewells to some much-loved members of his dressing room - and this summer will be no different.
Loris Karius is one of those expected to part ways with the club when his contract expires in the summer. The goalkeeper, who was brought to Tyneside as an emergency replacement for Karl Darlow earlier this season, will depart Newcastle having played just one solitary game - the Magpies' first cup final in since the turn of the millennium.
Despite failing to make a single Premier League appearance, Karius took his place among the Newcastle players and staff at full-time following the Leicester draw and clapped the fans who backed him at Wembley Stadium, appearing to say his goodbyes. The German was flanked by his TV presenter partner Diletta Leotta, with the pair expecting a child later this year.
