Albert Luque explains why he ended up at Newcastle United and not Real Madrid or Barcelona | OneFootball

Albert Luque has been talking about Newcastle United and what happened 20 years ago.

The former player talking to Spanish media.

Albert Luque explaining how instead of Barcelona or Real Madrid, he ended up coming to Tyneside.

Amusing to read what he is saying now about his transfer from Deportivo to Tyneside back in 2005.

Albert Luque seemingly enjoyed himself in time at St James’ Park as much as Newcastle United fans did watching him!

A ridiculous time in Newcastle United history as the Hall and Shepherd ownership made the disastrous decision to replace Sir Bobby Robson with Graeme Souness AND then they spent some £35m on the combined talents of Boumsong Owen and Luque.

Albert Luque remembered in a good way for two reasons at Newcastle United.

Scoring the final goal that ‘wrapped it up’ on Wearside, 4-1 over Sunderland in Shearer’s last ever match in April 2006 (watch below).

Scoring the only goal as United won 1-0 in the UEFA Cup away at Palermo in November 2006, a match where Tim Krul made his NUFC debut.

Apart from that…

Albert Luque speaking to AS – 7 June 2025:

How many times has Real Madrid been interested in signing him ?

“Well, there was a very important moment in 2004. But there was also interest from Barça. There were meetings with both of them.

“Deportivo was a wealthy team at the time because they had sold many players: Flavio to Madrid and Makaay to Bayern. It was a demanding club, but no agreement was reached.

“I was closer to signing for Barça, with a contract already drawn up, and Madrid did ask about my situation. Not much more.”

Contract drafted. What happened?

“No agreement was reached for the transfer. [Deportivo President] Lendoiro told me they were a direct rival and that I wouldn’t leave unless they paid the money he was asking for. I told him I’d had that dream since I was a kid because I’m Catalan, but he said he wouldn’t sell me.

“There was a rift between Lendoiro and me, which is why I decided to go to Newcastle (for 15 million euros).

“I will always be very grateful to Depor, the entire city, and all the Deportivo fans, but playing for Barça was a dream, and when that dream didn’t come true, Newcastle came along, and I went there, without even knowing where the city or the players of that team were.”

England. A turning point.

“Yes. I suffered the most serious injury of my career ( knee ).

“A tough team; a great squad, with Alan Shearer and Michael Owen.

“But the football was very direct, very physical, very different from Spanish football. It was hard to adapt.

“I was never happy there, and the truth is that I don’t remember that time, on a sporting level, with any particular fondness.”

It is over 19 years  since the final scoreline read Sunderland 1 Newcastle 4.

The 17 April 2006 saw Shearer score in that last ever game, before then forced off with the injury that would prematurely end his career. Although only three Premier League matches of that season remained.

The full game can be watched below but if you are up for watching more than just the goals, maybe give the first hour a miss.

A very poor first half saw Hoyte give the mackems a 1-0 lead and then out of nowhere Sunderland just collapsed.

It was very funny as in the space of 60 seconds the Mackems lost the plot, Michael Chopra coming off the bench and just 12 seconds later I think it was, he was gifted the equaliser.

Within a minute Alan Shearer had added a penalty, before then Charlie N’Zogbia (Insomnia according to JFK…) made it 3-1 with a third NUFC goal in seven minutes.

Then as the song goes, Albert Luque ‘wrapped it up’ with 87 minutes on the clock.

That season saw a remarkable turnaround after Graeme Souness was belatedly sacked, Glenn Roeder put in temporary charge with Shearer combining playing with a role acting as Roeder’s assistant.

Only seven wins in 23 Premier League games that season under Souness but then 10 victories in 15 under Roeder and Shearer, taking Newcastle to seventh.

To go straight to the goals:

124.20 – Michael Chopra