Source: Daily_Mail
Duff latest to leave Newcastle as winger signs a three-year deal with Fulham
Fulham have completed the £4million signing of Damien Duff from Newcastle.
The Republic of Ireland winger leaves St James' Park after three years and becomes the eighth player since relegation to quit the club.
The 30-year-old former Blackburn and Chelsea midfielder will be reunited with Roy Hodgson, who gave him his debut at Ewood Park, after signing a three-year deal.
Duff's move is a welcome boost for Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who needs his best players in the Barclays Premier League, but is another blow for Newcastle supporters looking for an instant return to the top flight.
The Irishman was one of the players Alan Shearer wanted to keep hold of following their drop to the Championship but he follows Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Habib Beye, David Edgar, Peter Lovenkrands, Sebastien Bassong and Mark Viduka out of the exit door.
Duff said: 'Fulham had a fantastic season last year and I know that having spoken to the manager in recent days that the club's ambitions remain high and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.'
Hodgson said: 'I am delighted to add a player of Damien Duff's calibre to our squad and welcome the further midfield options he provides us with.
'I have known Damien for over a decade since he broke into the first team at Blackburn when I was manager so I am fully aware of his qualities and I am looking forward to working with him again.'
Magpies caretaker boss Hughton must now prepare for Sheffield Wednesday's visit on Wednesday without one of his key players who was left out of the squad to play Reading at the weekend.
'I'm sad to see him go,' said the former Ireland defender. 'As an individual he's a smashing lad and he always gives his all and if you ask anyone at the club about him, they will tell you he's a very polite, very hard working lad.
'I don't know if he will look back on his Newcastle career with a tinge of regret. In the period of time I've been here he's had his injuries and the last pre-season was his first in three years.
'He was always one if he was ever injured he found it difficult
because he just wanted to play.
'With my Irish hat on I think he's an important player for the national team. If you asked me if I would I rather him be at Fulham or Newcastle, I'd say Newcastle.'
