Fabricio Coloccini's House Plans Suggest He's Staying In Newcastle - But It's Time To Say "Adios"

It's been quite a couple of weeks for Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini. First the Toon skipper allowed the Magpies to ship three goals at Leicester City before witnessing his head coach publicly accuse one of his fellow defenders of being "deliberately" sent off, then he sent an open letter to fans asking them to "support the team more than ever" - and now he has been accused of "garden grabbing" by his neighbours after asking for planning permission to build a house in the grounds of his Newcastle property. The Chronicle claim that Coloccini is aiming to build a three-bedroom property behind his £1 million home near Jesmond Dene - and that he has been accused of "garden grabbing" by his neighbours who object to the proposals.

It's fair to assert that Coloccini is having a bit of a bad time of things right now and he is upsetting far too many people - and that's why it's time for the Argentine to say "adios" to Newcastle United. Coloccini's development plans suggest he is not looking to leave the Tyneside in the near future, but it is now appropriate timing for an amicable parting of the ways - before things really being to sour. Ever since the former AC Milan, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Boca Juniors defender first pined for a move back to San Lorenzo almost two-and-a-half years ago in January 2013, the bond between Coloccini and the Toon faithful was broken beyond repair.

That is not to say that Coloccini has not been backed by Magpies supporters in the last two seasons, far from it. But, like any situation where a loved one feels deceived and betrayed by their significant other, Newcastle fans have never been fully able to completely forgive and forget Coloccini's lustful glances back towards his native Argentina. Yet, although Coloccini struggled as Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League during his first season in England, the £10.3 million the Magpies paid Deportivo La Coruna in 2008 for the centre-back has turned out to be a bargain. Coloccini was magnificent during Newcastle's Championship-winning season in 2009-10, and he was a large reason behind why the Magpies came within inches of qualifying for the Champions League in 2011-12 and why they remained in the Premier League in 2012-13.

However, at 33 Coloccini is no longer at the height of his once-formidable defensive powers. Capped 39 times by Argentina, the 6ft 1in defender used to control matches from centre-back - and his positional play was unrivalled, meaning his lack of physicality was rarely an issue. But time has caught up with Coloccini and his abilities are not what they once were. The burden of captaincy has also rested far too heavily on the Argentine's shoulders - he has never really been vocal enough or the sort of dominant leader-figure Premier League sides need. His open letter last week highlighted his disconnect from the supporters - they need action on the field from the players, not words telling them that they should be backing a club they have followed for their entire lives.

Every single Newcastle supporter wants to be able to end their relationship with Coloccini amicably - and that is why the Argentine should be one of the players who departs during what is hopefully a total club clearout this summer. Coloccini's contribution to the history of Newcastle United Football Club will never be forgotten - and hopefully that will include saving the Magpies from relegation this season as well - but it is best he says "adios" before he damages his relationship with the Toon faithful beyond repair. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.