By Tyne Talk
August 31 2005

Ok its pretty long but here are some of the more important quotes... I'll summarise as best as I can. What made him ultimately choose Newcastle: spoke to Graeme Souness plenty, Alan Shearer and the chairman, lots of other people, also spoke to Real Madrid, Liverpool, and when the decision had to be made, bear in mind the transfer deadline was tomorrow, I looked at all my options and Newcastle seemed to be the best one.

I'm very happy with my choice and can't wait to play the first game.

Went on to say about the meeting wasn't the selling point of the club.. club sold itself. When he's seen and played games here its obviously a fantastic following, that was also a major decision. Stadium, training ground, lots of English lads that he knows, so "I'm very pleased with my decision."

First team football at Madrid looked a bit more difficult this year. Chance to come here was too good to turn down.

Missed Premiership. Hasn't forgotten what its all about.

Shearer persuasive, not pushy. Came from balanced point of view.

Shearer offering number 9 shirt was one of the things that surprised him most over the last few days.

Asked Woodgate, had positive things to say.

Sure the fans will forgive and forget about the Liverpool goals vs us as long as he gets a few in black n white. SJP one of the grounds he's always felt good about.

Scored best goal of his life at SJP, noone remembers it he was about 15.

Expectations: gotta break the losing streak, will be hard to stop once winning again.

Trophies: not been done for a while... if you can come here and win something then it will be a joyous moment.

Can't wait to train and meet all the players, and the game on the following Saturday is what he's really looking forward to.

Glad its at home, hopefully can settle in quick, hopefully start of a good few years.