The France international right-back, who won 27 caps for his country, joined the Magpies from Lille in January 2013, linking up with close friend and former Lillois team-mate Yohan Cabaye at St. James' Park.

He was ineligible for United's run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, having already played for Lille in the Champions League that season, but helped Alan Pardew's team climb away from the Premier League relegation zone.

And his performances in 2013/14 earned him a place in the France squad for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil, before he signed for Arsenal in July 2014. After four seasons with the Gunners, he returned to France with Saint-Étienne and Valenciennes and on Thursday, he confirmed his retirement on social media, describing it as "the end of a dream, but the beginning of a new life" and thanking his former clubs.

Debuchy made 46 appearances for Newcastle United, scoring once, and the club wishes him well for the future.