Coloccini leaves Magpies for Pope's favoured team

Veteran former Argentinian international Fabricio Coloccini is to leave relegated Premier League club Newcastle and join Pope Francis' favourite team San Lorenzo in his native Argentina.

The 34-year-old no-nonsense old school central defender -- who won 39 caps after starring in the Under-20 world championship win in 2001 and then the 2004 Olympic gold medal team coached by Marcelo Bielsa -- came to a mutual agreement with Newcastle to terminate his contract.

Coloccini, who played for San Lorenzo on loan back in the 2000/2001 season and won the 'Clausura title', joined Newcastle in August 2008 from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna for £10.3million ($13.4m, 12m euros) and rose to become the Magpies skipper in the 2011/12 campaign.

In total, Coloccini made 275 appearances for United in all competitions, scoring seven goals.

"It is rare in football these days that a player gives such length of service to one club and I would like to thank 'Colo' for his contribution to Newcastle United since he joined us before the start of the 2008/09 season," said Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley.

"In the eight years he has been with us, Colo has become a firm friend and colleague to many players and staff, past and present, who I know will miss him."