Viana can't wait for Magpies debuet

By Matthew Jones
June 21 2002

Newcastle's new-boy Hugo Viana has admitted the joint lure of Champions League football and playing for Bobby Robson was impossible to resist.

Newcastle's new-boy Hugo Viana has admitted the joint lure of Champions League football and playing for Bobby Robson was impossible to resist.

United beat off Celta Vigo and Liverpool to tie up a deal for the Portuguese international last night.

The £8.5million fee paid to Sporting Lisbon is a world record for a teenager and Viana insists he is now desperate to pull on the black and white shirt under the tutelage of a man who is still a legend for his success as a manager in Portugal.

"As soon as I heard Newcastle were in the Champions League I started dreaming of a game against Sporting," said the 19-year-old. "It would be a great game between two great teams and you never know what might happen.

"I've played in front of big crowds many times but I have had a look around the stadium here and it is very impressive.

"I'm sure the atmosphere is incredible and I can't wait to make my debut for Bobby Robson."