Robert: I Could Have Signed Anywhere, BUT...

By Matthew Jones
April 21 2004

French winger Laurent Robert explains why he joined Newcastle United when there was several clubs chasing him, why he doesn't want to leave the club, and speaks about his respect for manager Sir Bobby Robson.

He has affection for Sir Bobby, although the pair have had one or two arguements!

However, with a move to Glasgow on the cards, why did Robert decide to move to Newcastle? Surely football at the top of the Scottish Premiership would have appealed to him more than a move to St James' Park, but apparantly not!

Robert explained: "I could have signed anywhere else because English, Scottish and Spanish clubs offered me much more money, but I straight away felt well here.

"Moreover there was a coach, Bobby Robson, who really wanted me.

"There was a challenge and an opportunity to improve, aiming at the France team.

"I have been at Newcastle for three years and I really don't want to leave.

"Newcastle is not as insipid a city as some people say. It is a town with a lot of attraction.

"Especially, there is the sea. That is perfect for walks with my wife and children.

"Me, I immediately adapted to the city and the state of mind.

"Robson is a great man and I have a lot of respect for him because he always protects his players," he told L'Equipe.

"But, sometimes, we have screaming matches.

"I am ambitious and I came here to succeed in doing something great.

"So, when it doesn't work, we have a postmortem.

"It is part of the game.

"But I want to stay at Newcastle. That means everything."