Long-running contract talks with Simpson broke down last year, and he lost his place in the team to Mathieu Debuchy, who joined from Lille in January.
Simpson was on £15k a week, while Mike Williamson is on a staggering £40k.
While the 26-year-old had hoped to commit his long-term future to Newcastle, he insists there were no arguments behind the scenes.
Danny Simpson: “There weren’t any arguments.
“It’s football – these things happen.
“The fans need to know I wasn’t being greedy.
“It was just one of those things – I think the club wanted to go in a different direction. I knew that even when they offered the contract. I knew someone was going to come in.
“Mathieu came in, and I didn’t want to be sat on the bench. I’m 26, and I want to keep playing football.
“I’m not one of those players who’s happy to sit on the bench and take the money.
“I want to play football. I buzz off playing every Saturday.
“Sometimes both parties need to move on. I just want to say thank you to everyone, and move on.”
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES:
Motherwell (A) July 16
Rio Ave (A) July 20
Pacos Ferreira (A) July 23
Blackpool (A) July 29
St Mirren (A) July 31
Braga (H) August 10
WE TELL IT AS IT IS - NO BULLSHIT!
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