Newcastle United attempted to sign one of the world’s best players 14 years ago, only to be beaten to the punch by Barcelona.
Craig Bellamy
Ex-Magpies star Craig Bellamy spoke to beIN SPORT, and opened up on the time he spent at St James’ Park, sharing a funny story about the Toon’s failed approach for global superstar Ronaldinho way back in 2003.
The Welshman spent four years on Tyneside, after making his £6 million switch from Coventry, and scored 43 goals for Newcastle during that period.
His time in the North-East was relatively successful, with the Magpies recording three consecutive top-five finishes in the Premier League table.
Bellamy, though, was less than flattering regarding Newcastle as a football club, when speaking to beIN SPORT, explaining how his former club’s failed pursuit of PSG’s Ronaldinho, who eventually joined Barcelona, led to some outrageous debates as to whether the Brazilian made the right choice of club:
Ronaldinho in action
“I remember there was a debate, Ronaldinho was leaving Paris Saint-Germain to go to Barcelona but there was an interest from Newcastle. There was a two-hour debate on a radio up there, how they couldn’t believe he choose Barcelona over Newcastle. I was listening to it and still couldn’t get my head round it. Is this a joke here? It wasn’t. Then I sort of knew myself then that this club thinks that it is a little bit further up than what it really is.”
The 97-capped Brazil international then went on to become one of the world’s greatest ever players during his time in Catalunia, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League with Frank Rijkaard’s men.
Whilst it seems strange to think that Newcastle were ever even in contention to sign a player of Ronaldinho’s ilk, it is worth remembering that they were one of the better sides in England at the time.
It is hard to argue, however, that the Brazilian did not make the right decision in doing the Blaugrana.
Ronaldinho
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