FABRICIO COLOCCINI has completed his departure from Newcastle United and signed for Argentinian side San Lorenzo.

The former skipper has terminated the final year of his contract with the Magpies by mutual consent, although the exact financial details of the deal have not been revealed.

Coloccini is understood to have been earning around £70,000-a-week with Newcastle, so the final 12 months of his contract would have been worth around £3.6m.

The centre-half joined Newcastle from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna in 2008 and was appointed captain for the first time in October 2010.

He made 275 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals, but his commitment to the cause was questioned in the last two seasons as he made an unsuccessful attempt to return to Argentina.

He performed poorly in the first half of last season, with his final Newcastle appearance coming in February’s resounding 5-1 defeat at Chelsea.

Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said: “It is rare in football these days that a player gives such length of service to one club and I would like to thank Colo for his contribution to Newcastle United since he joined us before the start of the 2008-09 season.

“In the eight years he has been with us, Colo has become a firm friend and colleague to many players and staff, past and present, who I know will miss him. We wish him all the very best for his future career.”