Croatian agent Vlado Lemic has delivered a cutting farewell message to Newcastle United after orchestrating Alexander Isak's British record transfer to Liverpool.
The Swedish striker's representative declined to appear on talkSPORT but provided a pointed statement: "It's nice when you have someone to be with, but it's even nicer when you know who you'll never be with again."
The barbed remark came hours after Isak finalised his £125-130 million switch to Anfield on Monday. The deal represents the highest fee ever paid between British clubs.
Lemic's words appear deliberately aimed at Newcastle and their supporters following a bitter summer saga.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Alexander Isak in a £125million deal from Newcastle | XThe Croatian agent, reportedly eager to secure the lucrative transfer before retirement, had seen his relationship with the Newcastle hierarchy deteriorate significantly during negotiations.
The 25-year-old forward's exit from St James' Park proved particularly acrimonious after he refused to participate in pre-season preparations. His decision to go on strike forced Newcastle's hand in the transfer negotiations.
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Isak subsequently released a statement citing "broken promises" as justification for his actions. He claimed "trust was lost" between himself and the club during the protracted dispute.
The Swedish international's behaviour transformed his status from beloved figure to persona non grata on Tyneside.
His role in securing Newcastle's first trophy in seven decades - scoring the decisive goal in their Carabao Cup triumph - was overshadowed by the manner of his departure.
Newcastle's response spoke volumes about the fractured relationship. The club issued a terse 37-word statement acknowledging his exit, devoid of any warmth or gratitude for his contributions.
Alexander Isak was spotted arriving at Liverpool's training ground on deadline day
| REUTERSIt has been reported that Lemic actively encouraged his client to adopt hardline tactics, believing this represented the sole method to compel Newcastle into selling before the transfer deadline expired.
The agent's confrontational approach contributed to the breakdown in relations with club officials.
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Despite the acrimony, Isak eventually attempted damage limitation through a belated message: "I want to express my gratitude to my team-mates, the staff and above all, the city of Newcastle and the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together."
The striker acknowledged helping restore Newcastle to their rightful position, referencing Champions League qualification and their drought-ending trophy success.
He concluded: "Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle."
Upon completing his Anfield move, Isak expressed "relief" and described experiencing "mixed emotions" after what he termed a "long journey to get here."
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer condemned the striker's methods whilst acknowledging his quality. "I thought Eddie [Howe] handled it really well," Shearer stated.
"It was a really impossible situation for him and for the players. I didn't like how it got to the end. I don't think it's ever right that a player should go on strike and refuse to play for a club whilst you're being paid and have a contract."
The former England captain emphasised contractual obligations: "When you sign a contract, you're obliged to fulfil it."
Shearer noted this summer's troubling trend, highlighting that Yoane Wissa employed identical tactics against Brentford before joining Newcastle.
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Alan Shearer has blamed Alexander Isak's agent for the 'mess' | GETTYHe contrasted this with Crystal Palace's Mark Guehi, who maintained professionalism despite missing out on a Liverpool move.
"It's not a good look at all when you're being paid by a club and refuse to play," Shearer concluded.