Florian Lejeune has admitted it was a 'pleasure' to return to St James' Park with Rayo Vallecano and see 'so many friendly faces' from his time at Newcastle United.
Saturday's friendly was not just your typical exhibition game for Lejeune as the Frenchman caught up with some of his former colleagues for the first time since leaving the club to move to Spain in 2020. Lejeune received a warm welcome from literally the moment he walked through the players' entrance, where Glenn Patterson, Newcastle's player liaison officer, was waiting for him before the Magpies' 2-1 win.
Lejeune quickly made his way out to the pitch with a handful of his team-mates before the warm-up and, at one point, the defender pointed out different areas of St James' to them. Lejeune then recorded a video of all four corners of the stadium on his phone in what looked like a special moment for the 31-year-old.
READ MORE: Newcastle owners' dream, exciting 'not ready for what's coming' message and mentality changes
Although Lejeune ultimately started the game on the bench, the substitute was summoned in the 71st minute and given quite a reception. Not only did Eddie Howe walk over to shake Lejeune's hand and pat the Frenchman on the back before he entered the field; those 34,956 supporters in attendance cheered when the centre-back came on.
Lejeune told ChronicleLive before the game it was going to be an occasion 'brimming in emotion' and so it proved.
"Such a pleasure to be back at St James' Park and see so many friendly faces," Lejeune wrote on his Instagram. "It brings back real good memories. Wish you all the best for the rest of the season."
READ NEXT
Gary Neville welcomes 'step forward' after Newcastle owners made 'top job' move that he liked
Warrior admits it was a 'shame' Eddie Howe couldn't save Newcastle career after Bruce's 'vision'
Eddie Howe admired 'top player' once worth €100m but Newcastle may have had a lucky escape
Newcastle are about to see the real version of 'fantastic talent' after 'new plans for the club'
Emotional Newcastle return planned as uncomfortable truth told
