Emi Martinez responds to Nick Pope’s ‘history’ message amid Newcastle exit news
Nick Pope received attention from stars all across the Premier League as Newcastle United celebrated their Carabao Cup trophy lift in style.
Parading the streets of Newcastle in an open-top bus, Alexander Isak shared a live update from the celebrations after scoring the winning goal against Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium.
While Pope and Martin Dubravka have shared the responsibilities for Eddie Howe‘s side this season, the former was enjoying the achievement just as much, having taken the starting spot for the final.
Mick Brown told Football Insider, however, that Pope is expected to leave Newcastle this summer amid links to Burnley’s in-form shot-stopper, James Trafford.
Nick Pope celebrates final memory before Newcastle United exit
Taking to Instagram [31 March], Pope wrote: “‘The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.’ What a moment. We made history together. Toon Army, memories I’ll never forget!”
Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez replied: “Congrats, mate,” with praise emojis, with Man City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Chris Wood and Dwight McNeil all liking the post.
Eddie Howe just beginning journey at St James’ Park
Football Insider verdict
Howe, who has been tipped to replace Thomas Tuchel as England coach, has been lauded for ending the Magpies’ 70-year trophy drought, and rightly so, albeit with the help of some serious transfer funds.
Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali have all earned their plaudits this season, with Newcastle pushing to new heights that not even their own supporters expected so soon.
The Magpies will also spend the rest of the season pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League, battling the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Brighton and Fulham for Champions League qualification again.
| Premier League standings | Points |
| 3. Nottingham Forest | 54 |
| 4. Chelsea | 49 |
| 5. Man City | 48 |
| 6. Newcastle United | 47 |
| 7. Brighton | 47 |
That would really throw a gauntlet down and send a message to the rest of the teams in the division, stating that Newcastle are here to stay and teams higher up the table should be worried.
With Liverpool and Arsenal fighting for the title, and Man City expected to come back stronger next season, it might take a while until a league trophy is won, but the foundation blocks are being built as we speak.