Jonjo Shelvey has revealed he begged Eddie Howe to let him leave Newcastle in the January transfer window in order to kick-start his career.
The 30-year-old signed for Nottingham Forest on a two-and-a-half-year deal on deadline day last week, ending a seven-year stint at St James' Park.
It was an emotional exit for Shelvey, whose young family were reduced to tears at the prospect of leaving, but he insisted it was necessary for the benefit of his career.
Howe initially rejected Shelvey's request to leave but changed his mind the following day.