‘Without a doubt Newcastle United fans are more passionate than Chelsea fans’ – Geremi | OneFootball

Geremi has been speaking ahead of tonight’s Newcastle v Barcelona match.

The midfielder was one of the first signings of the Mike Ashley era at Newcastle United.

In July 2007, having become a free agent after his Chelsea contract came to end, Geremi signed by Sam Allardyce.

Mike Ashley actually allowed Allardyce a fair bit of cash to spend in the very first transfer window of his horrific reign on Tyneside, especially when it came to wages.

Beye, Faye, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Barton and Smith all were bought in that summer.

Whilst Geremi and Viduka arrived as ‘free’ agents, both of them reported to be on wages of £100,000 a week each, 18 years ago.

Fair to say that for these last two, their best days (and best speed!) were in the past, both of them proving expensive mistakes and summing up the mess Sam Allardyce made, which basically laid the foundations for the relegation that would follow the next season.

Whilst Newcastle United fans won’t look back with much fondness on the days when Geremi was at the club, it appears that for the former player, he clearly appreciated and understood the NUFC fanbase…

Geremi speaking to Best Betting Sites ahead of tonight’s Newcastle v Barcelona match:

Geremi asked; ‘Are Newcastle fans the most passionate you’ve played for?’

“Without a doubt, Newcastle fans are the most passionate.

“Newcastle isn’t the biggest city, geographically, but on the day of a game, the city transforms into the club’s colours – just black and white everywhere.

When we played at St. James’ Park, we’d sleep in our homes and come to the hotel on the day of the match, at 10am. On the way there, everything was in black and white, everyone was wearing the kit. Everywhere.

“If you were a stranger in town, if you were cut off from the news, you’d be certain to know what was going on – a Newcastle game. Everywhere you looked, a fan would be in a shirt.”

Geremi asked; ‘What did you make of their handling of Alexander Isak’s departure?’

“I think the problem for Newcastle is that his departure means more than just losing one excellent player. If you want to challenge in Europe or for the Premier League, you just can’t afford to let your best players leave.

“Isak was already settled, Newcastle were doing well, and then all of a sudden he decided he wanted to go to Liverpool. For me, it’s a huge loss. Let’s see what their new signings do instead of him.

“I don’t think that Wissa will definitely be the man to slot straight in to replace Alexander Isak. He’s a new signing, he needs time to gel, and he has to get over his injury.

“It could be a problem for Newcastle if that takes a long time, but he could be a player who adapts quickly, but Newcastle are a big club now. There’s pressure, and for some players that could be just what they need to get to the top of their game.”

Geremi asked for his thoughts on Newcastle v Barcelona:

“This is a tough match to predict.

“On the one hand, we all know that Barcelona has a very good team and an exceptional squad.

“For Newcastle, it’s important for them to start regularly playing against the big teams like Barcelona.

“That’s how Eddie Howe and his team can define if they’re ready or not.

“It’s interesting, but I think for Newcastle, a win would be a huge achievement but they have to make sure they are ready to compete throughout the whole league format.

“I hope Newcastle win and I send my best wishes, because my heart is with the club. For me, I won’t be surprised if they get a good result, especially at home. Then they can go on with a different mentality if they succeed.