“Leave the Football Before the Football Leaves You”: The Football Has Left Him — Jamie Carragher Blasts Newcastle United Star

Jamie Carragher has never been a pundit afraid to speak his mind, but his latest comments about a struggling Newcastle United star have sent shockwaves across the Premier League. The former Liverpool defender delivered a brutally honest assessment, insisting that the player in question is on the brink of decline and must “leave the football before the football leaves you.” Carragher even added that, in his opinion, “the football has left him already.”

Although Newcastle’s season has been filled with highs and lows, individual performances have been under intense scrutiny, especially from seasoned analysts like Carragher. His comments were sparked after another underwhelming display in which the Newcastle star looked off the pace, lacked sharpness in duels, and appeared miles away from the explosive form he once showcased.

Carragher argued that the modern game is unforgiving: once physicality dips or hunger fades, the spotlight becomes harsher and mistakes stand out more clearly. “You can get away with a bad game,” he said. “But when it becomes a pattern — when you’re consistently behind the tempo — then it’s not a bad day. It’s decline.”

According to Carragher, this particular player is no longer influencing matches the way he used to. Instead of dictating play, he now struggles to keep up. The former England international suggested that Newcastle’s ambition and the Premier League’s intensity have surpassed the player’s current level, leaving him exposed.

Fans have also voiced similar frustrations, pointing out visible lapses in concentration and a lack of urgency. Some believe that loyalty to the player is now costing the team points. Carragher’s message, harsh as it sounds, echoes a sentiment many supporters have quietly shared: the time to make a difficult decision may be approaching.

As Newcastle United push for European places and attempt to remain competitive among England’s elite, sentiment cannot overshadow performance. Carragher’s words serve as a warning — not just to one player, but to all professionals: in football, decline can come quickly, and only those who evolve survive.