**Yankuba Minteh’s Heartfelt Message to Newcastle Fans After Scoring Against His Former Club**
In the modern era of football, honesty and vulnerability from top-tier players can often feel like a rarity. Yet Yankuba Minteh, the talented young winger from Gambia, has broken that mold. After scoring against his former club, Newcastle United, Minteh delivered a message that resonated deeply with fans across the Premier League.
Minteh, who transferred from Newcastle in a move that reportedly cost his new club €38 million, revealed that the switch wasn’t his choice. “I was forced into a move I didn’t want to make,” he admitted in a post-match interview. “I knew I wasn’t ready yet. I wanted to stay and grow at Newcastle, but sometimes football isn’t in your control.”
His words struck a chord, especially considering the rare honesty of a player speaking about the difficult business side of the sport. Minteh joined Newcastle as a raw but promising talent and was loaned out to develop. However, due to shifting priorities at the club and financial maneuvering, his permanent departure came quicker than expected — and, as he suggests, not on his own terms.
Facing Newcastle for the first time since his exit, the emotions were clearly running high. His goal, a stunning strike that highlighted both his technical skill and growing maturity on the pitch, was followed by a subdued celebration. Hands raised in a silent gesture of respect, Minteh chose not to revel in the moment, but to acknowledge the complicated emotions it carried.
After the match, Minteh took to social media to send a direct message to the Newcastle fanbase. “To the Toon Army — I have nothing but love for you. You believed in me when I was just getting started. Leaving was not my decision, and I hope you understand that. Scoring today was special, but it hurt too. I didn’t celebrate because I still feel connected to the club and the city.”
The response from Newcastle fans was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised his humility and maturity, recognizing that his hand was likely forced by the business realities of modern football. “You’ll always have a place in our hearts, Yankuba,” one fan replied. Another added, “This is the kind of honesty you rarely hear from players. Much respect.”
Minteh’s journey serves as a reminder that the life of a professional footballer, especially a young one, isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Moves are made not just for sporting reasons but often for financial or political ones, and players are frequently caught in the middle.
Despite the early turbulence in his career, Minteh seems to be finding his footing. He’s performing at a high level, and his emotional maturity suggests a player who’s destined for great things — not just on the pitch, but off it as well.
For Newcastle fans, the match was bittersweet. They watched one of their former talents shine brightly, but they also saw the proof that he could have done the same for them — had things played out differently. And for Minteh, it was a chance to show the world, and especially the fans who once sang his name, that he’s ready to move on — but not without saying a heartfelt thank you.
