Former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin has quit Mexican club Club América after posting that “protecting my children is my first priority”.

Allan Saint-Maximin’s brief tenure at Club America came to an abrupt end just months after the France winger arrived in Mexico, with the club announcing his departure two days after he revealed his children had been the target of racist attacks.

The 28-year-old former Newcastle United winger signed a two-year contract with the Liga MX club in August in a deal reported to be worth $10 million, but made just 15 appearances for the club before his sudden exit on Saturday.

Club America expressed solidarity with Saint-Maximin when he announced his departure, although neither side revealed specific details of the events that prompted his decision to leave.

“We reiterate our strong condemnation of any act of discrimination and/or violence that violates human dignity on and off the pitch,” the Mexico City club said in a statement.

“We express our absolute solidarity with Ellen Saint-Maximin and her family, who have the support of everyone in the institution.

“Thank you so much for wearing our colors Allan Saint-Maximin.”

Saint-Maximin took to Instagram to respond to what he said was the attack on his child and made clear his determination to protect his family.

“The problem is not the color of the skin, it’s the color of the mind. People attack me, but that’s not the problem. I learned from a young age to fight back against attacks, whether subtle, hidden or direct,” he wrote on Instagram.

“But one thing I will never tolerate is people attacking my children. Protecting my children is my first priority. I will do everything in my power to ensure they are respected and loved, regardless of their origins or the color of their skin.

“So, to those who dare attack my children, I say this: You made a mistake. I will always fight to protect my family and no one or threat will scare me.”

U.S. head coach Andre Jardine said losing a player like Saint-Maximin was a “real shame.”

“He is a great player who performs well in the league and has the ability to play in any league in the world. Moving from Europe to Mexico is a big change for him,” Jardine said.

“He’s a great player and we have to try to find a way to replace him.”