Bernard returns from Paris to plea his case

By Matthew Jones
May 20 2003

After Olivier Bernard was accused of saying "there is too many businessmen rather than football men!", he wants to clear things up. According to Bernard, he hasn't said a thing, therefore he has returned from Paris to put things right with Sir Bobby & the Fans.

Olivier Bernard has returned from Paris after he had heard reports claiming him to be "slagging off" Newcastle.

He has come back to TyneSide to plea and explain his case with Sir Bobby Robson and the Magpies fans.

"I have nothing bad to say about Newcastle," he said. "How can I say anything bad after the season we've just had?

"I have played in nearly every game and done well. Things could not be better for me. I want to stay at Newcastle for many years.

"I have two years left on my contract and would love to stay longer. Maybe I can negotiate a new deal. That is what I want.

"We are in the Champions League next season and going for the title. That is what any footballer wants. I would be mad to leave a place like this at this time.

"I did not say anything like that. Why should I? The chairman does good things for the club. I respect him because he supplies the funds for Sir Bobby Robson to buy quality players.

"That is what you are looking for in a chairman, someone as ambitious as yourself. I will definitely be at Newcastle next season and hope people realise that these things I am supposed to have said are horrible and not true."