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    ‘I want to kill’ – Man Utd hero Lisandro Martinez reveals what he’ll do to win ahead of Carabao Cup final vs Newcastle

    LISANDRO MARTINEZ is going in for the kill at Wembley on Sunday.The Manchester United centre-back’s passion and commitment has made him a crowd favourite.
    Martinez has become popular with United fans for his cut-throat defendingCredit: PA
    And ahead of facing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, the Argentine — nicknamed ‘The Butcher’ — admits it is difficult to control himself sometimes.
    Martinez, 25, said: “Yeah. It is hard. It is really hard. Sometimes I want to kill but you have to control as well.”
    The 25-year-old Argentinian World Cup winner produced a typically full-on display in the 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday night. 
    Now he wants to put on that same show of typical Argentinian spirit beneath the arch against the Toon.
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    Martinez said: “Argentinian players are always like this, we are passionate. 
    “Football for us is everything so that is why we always give everything of us.
    “As a kid, I remember when I was really young, like four or five years old, I would start to fight and start to cry when I lose, so it is something we have in the blood, we have in the heart. It’s our culture.”
    While he has only ever been sent off once, for two bookable offences while playing in Argentina, his nickname is not something he has ever shied away from.
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    He said: “Yes, I am called the Carnicero ­— The Butcher — of ­Amsterdam. 
    “We Argentines do ­everything with passion and when I go out on the pitch, I fight for every ball. If I have to step over dead bodies, I do it.”

    If Martinez needed any further inspiration following his £56.7million move from Ajax last summer, it came with doubters.
    At 5ft 9in he is the shortest centre-back in the Premier League and pundits were queuing up to say he would not make it in this country.
    Those voices grew louder after a disastrous 4-0 defeat at Brentford in the Red Devils United’s second game of the season when he was hooked at half-time.
    At the start of September, this was the view of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
    Martinez has had his fair share of critics since arriving in EnglandCredit: Rex
    The TV pundit, 45, said: “I’m convinced this can’t work because the size of him playing in a back four.
    “Maybe he could go left-back. Maybe he could play in a back three but in a back four, he cannot play there in the Premier League.”
    Martinez shrugged it all off. He said: “It’s just an opinion. I understand when people say that — they show me who they are, you know? It’s not my problem.
    “In the beginning, in Argentina, it was the same. But it’s normal because in football, it’s not normal to play as a centre-back with my height. It’s not easy as well.”
    Martinez always believed that if he worked on his anticipation and reading of a game it would make up for anything he lacked in his height.
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    He said: “You have to be very clever on the pitch because you have to be sharp in every situation. If you’re smart you can win the duels.”
    “Every day you can learn about it. After the game, you have your feelings about the game, but also you have to watch some videos if you want to improve. In my case, I do that.” More

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    I earned £65 a month and found RAT under pillow in room I shared with 18 pals.. now I’m lining up in Carabao Cup final

    BRUNO GUIMARAES has shared his inspirational tale of how he went from sleeping in a bed with rats to heading off to Wembley for a cup final. Newcastle play Manchester United in the Carabao Cup showpiece with the Magpies looking to end their long trophy drought.
    Bruno Guimaraes’ dad was an inspiration to him and he now dons the same no.39 on his shirt that featured on his father’s taxiCredit: Twitter
    The midfielder shared his incredible journey from struggling at youth level to lighting up the Premier League
    The star made his name at Athletico Paranaense after initially struggling to stand outCredit: Reuters
    Guimaraes’ suspension is over meaning he is good to start at Wembley on Sunday.
    But it may have all gone so differently for the Brazilian who had to dig deep to achieve his dream.
    The 25-year-old was turned down by the likes of Botafogo and Fluminense in his youth and lost self-belief that he could make it.
    Only his hard-working taxi driver father and his supportive mother kept the midfielder believing, and his break came when he was offered a chance to move to Audax São Paulo.
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    But the opportunity meant he had to leave home and live in a cramped dorm with as many as 18 other aspiring footballers.
    Guimaraes recounted the moment he went looking for his mobile phone and instead found a large rat that “looked like it had been drinking protein shakes.”
    He writes for the Players Tribune: “Instead of [finding] a plastic phone, I feel something … furry. But like, not cute. No, not the cute kind of furry, bro. The gross kind of f***ing furry. Then I felt a tail. 
    “On my life, I felt a tail!!! Bro, if you could have heard the way I screamed…. This fat little rat is looking at me like, ‘Yo, what are you doing in my bed???’
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    The incident compounded a miserable time for Guimaraes who was left thinking he was “in hell”.
    He was only paid 400 Brazilian Real a month during his time away from home, which equates to just £65.
    But things would turn around slowly for the star and by the time he turned 19, he would be getting regular football in Brazil. A move to Lyon beckoned before his transfer to Newcastle a year ago.
    Guimaraes revealed in the tribune that he wears the “magical” number 39 on his shirt as it the same number that featured on his dad’s taxi.
    Since his arrival on Tyneside, he has become a fan favourite with his work in midfield.
    He has three goals and three assists in the league this season but is yet to score in the Carabao Cup.
    Should he play a major role in ending Newcastle’s long trophy drought on Sunday, he will quickly be elevated into club legend territory. More

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    Three ways Man Utd could line up for Carabao Cup final without Marcus Rashford with red-hot striker a doubt with injury

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be without star forward Marcus Rashford for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle this Sunday.The England international, 25, is in sensational form and already has 24 goals this season.
    Marcus Rashford came off injured towards the end of Man Utd’s win over BarcelonaCredit: PA
    How Man Utd could line up without Rashford
    But he was taken off in some discomfort towards the end of Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday evening.
    He then shared a snap on social media of him heading down the tunnel holding his right boot.
    That has sent a chill through the United faithful as they fear they could be without their in-form attacker at Wembley.
    But manager Erik ten Hag does still have options if Rashford is sidelined.
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    Another way Erik ten Hag could choose to line up without his star forward
    The Dutch head coach, 53, is looking to win the club their first trophy in nearly six years.
    And he will almost certainly start with Wout Weghorst leading the line – whether Rashford is available or not.

    But the left flank is a position he will have to reconsider if Rashford cannot start.
    Jadon Sancho is one option, but Bruno Fernandes could also play off that side.
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    A third possible Man Utd XI without Rashford
    Antony and Alejandro Garnacho will be battling it out for the right side.
    And Ten Hag could even go to a 4-3-3 in the midfield if he wants to play the trio of Casemiro, Marcel Sabitzer and Fred.
    David de Gea will be in goal, with an expected back four of Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    But there is potential for change as club captain Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot push for places in the defence.
    Tyrell Malacia is also an alternative to Luke Shaw at left-back.
    Ten Hag is searching for his first silverware as Man Utd bossCredit: PA More

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    Paul Merson shares Carabao Cup final prediction with Arsenal legend revealing ‘shocking’ reason

    ARSENAL legend Paul Merson has revealed who he thinks will win the Carabao Cup, with a “shock” reason behind his claim.Newcastle take on Manchester United in Sunday’s final, with both clubs looking to end trophy droughts and kickstart a new era of success.
    Paul Merson has revealed who he thinks will win the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Rex
    The Arsenal legend believes the absence of one player will see the final swingCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd have form on their side, having won seven of their last nine games, including a 2-1 comeback victory against Barcelona.
    Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s outfit have failed to win in any of their last three games.
    However, form is not the key factor for Merson, rather player availability is.
    Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained: “If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope. He has won them so many points this season.
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    “I’d be shocked if Newcastle won this one without Pope in goal. He is that big for Newcastle United. Unfortunately, he is suspended and that’s going to cost Newcastle dearly.
    “When they’re keeping clean sheets, Pope is making big saves. Off the top of my head, in the draw against Arsenal, he made a world-class save to deny Eddie Nketiah.”
    Pope became suspended for the final after receiving a straight red card for handling the ball outside of his area.
    And with No2 Martin Dubravka cup-tied due to playing in the tournament for the Red Devils earlier in the season, it means Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will don the gloves for the Magpies.
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    Nick Pope cast a frustrated figure after being sent off against LiverpoolCredit: PA
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    Merson added: “Manchester United are going to create chances and they are going to score goals.
    “Put [Marcus] Rashford down for one goal already. He is playing so well that you’ll be shocked if he doesn’t score in this game.
    “United are the team to beat in the final. Newcastle United are not a free-scoring side. They don’t blow teams away.
    “If they don’t score two or three goals, they are not winning this one. I just don’t see them doing that against United on Sunday.
    “For me, the Magpies are desperate to win a trophy more than getting into the top four and these players can attain legendary status if they win silverware.
    “Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that will happen. I’m going 2-1 to Man United.”
    While Merson is backing a United victory, it may not come about with any involvement from Marcus Rashford.
    The 25-year-old, who has scored 24 goals this season, is now a doubt for the final after picking up an injury in the match against Barcelona.
    Marcus Rashford is now doubtful for the finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    I was Chelsea coach for 2019 Carabao Cup final.. I still remember how Kepa reacted to infamously refusing to be subbed

    FORMER Chelsea coach Massimo Nenci has revealed keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga cried in the dressing room after refusing to be substituted during the 2019 Carabao Cup final.With the Blues and Manchester City locked in a stalemate at Wembley, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri attempted to replace Kepa with No2 shot-stopper Willy Caballero towards the end of extra-time.
    Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to come off in the 2019 Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty
    Kepa’s antics left manager Maurizio Sarri furious as he attempted to bring on Willy CaballeroCredit: AFP
    But Kepa, who had gone down with an injury moments earlier, waved away his manager’s instructions and remained on the pitch.
    Sarri was fuming with his keeper, but ended up aborting the change as Man City went on to win on penalties.
    And Nenci, who was the goalkeeping coach at the time, has given his take on what happened during the bizarre event.
    Speaking to The Mail, he said: “The day before, Kepa had a little bit of an injury but it wasn’t that important. Then the day after he played the match.
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    “At the end of the 90 minutes he was receiving some treatment for the injury, and Antonio Rudiger said to him, ‘wait wait wait, we are in a difficult moment. We need you to stay on.’
    “Kepa stayed there with the doctor, who said that his situation was good.
    “But in extra-time Maurizio thought we should substitute Kepa with Caballero, because Caballero is a big penalty saver, and against City [his former club] he would have been perfect for us.
    “But Kepa didn’t understand that the substitution was for tactical reasons, not because of the injury. Willy is a big, big penalty saver.”
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    Revealing the aftermath of the controversial moment, Nenci went on to explain just how devastated Kepa was.
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    He added: “All the team was angry in the dressing room.
    “But first of all, I want to tell you that Kepa is a very, very good guy. And when he recognised his mistake he cried, he cried. He is a very good guy.
    “He was saying, ‘I’m sorry mister, I’m sorry. I didn’t understand.'”
    Kepa, who was signed by Sarri for £72million in 2018, publicly apologised for his actions after Chelsea’s defeat in the final.
    He said: “I have thought a lot more about yesterday’s events.
    “Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation.
    “I will learn from this episode and will accept any punishment or discipline the club decides is appropriate.”
    Four years on and Kepa is still at Chelsea, but Sarri lasted just a few months before departing Stamford Bridge.
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    The Italian coach did finish on a high, winning the Europa League at the end of the campaign.
    But he swiftly departed after lifting the trophy as Chelsea brought in Frank Lampard.
    Massimo Nenci was the keeper coach during the 2019 Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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    Carabao Cup final Wags, including a showgirl, reality TV star and a TV presenter, as Man Utd and Newcastle face off

    IT’S the first Wembley showpiece of the season.Manchester United and Newcastle United face off in the Carabao Cup final – with both sides enjoying a resurgence on the pitch.
    Diletta Leotta will be cheering on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final
    Leotta dates Newcastle keeper Loris Karius
    The Red Devils are motoring along now under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag, and have got themselves into the title race.
    While Newcastle United, under Saudi ownership, are challenging for a Champions League place – sitting in fifth spot in the Premier League.
    Man Utd haven’t won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017, while for Newcastle it’s been a longer wait – in 1955 they won the FA Cup.
    Cheering on the two sides will be their gorgeous Wags. From a Argentinian showgirl to a stunning Italian TV host, these are the Wags lighting up the Carabao Cup final.
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    Diletta Leotta
    Italian presenter Diletta, 31, currently works for DAZN in her homeland.
    Last year, she set tongues wagging when she was spied holding hands with Loris Karius – who could be between the sticks for the Toon on Sunday following Nick Pope’s suspension.
    She has amassed almost nine million followers on Instagram, and continues to soar in popularity.
    Her eye-catching outfits have made her a fans’ favourite for years.
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    Muri Lopez Benitez
    From fashionable outfits to the barely there, the Argie beauty is a showgirl.
    She is seen at various South America festivals wearing incredible costumes – showing off an enviable figure.
    Muri, 24, is the Wag of United centre-back and World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez.
    The pair are childhood sweethearts and have shared in each other’s success since they were young teens.
    Muri Lopez Benitez shows off her epic body
    Benitez is the Wag of United defender Lisandro Martinez
    Chana Kesselaar
    23-year-old Dutch beauty Chana is the reported girlfriend of Newcastle’s 6ft5in stopper Sven Botman.
    She is a fashion stylist who has around 5,000 Instagram followers.
    She also shares her sketches online to her followers, and has a website advertising her services.
    Chana’s glam life plays out on social media, including holidays in Ibiza and city trips to London.
    Chana Kesselaar is reportedly dating Sven BotmanCredit: Instagram @chanakesselaar
    Dutch beauty Kesselaar is a fashion stylist
    Katja Kuhne
    37-year-old Katja is nine years her husband Marcel Sabitzer’s senior.
    She tose to fame starring in the German version of reality TV show The Bachelor.
    They have been together since 2017 and got engaged three years later.
    The Austria international romantically got down on one knee and proposed in the picturesque setting of the Maldives.
    Katja Kuhne appeared on the German version of The Bachelor
    Kuhne is nine years Marcel Sabitzer’s senior
    Ana Lidia Martins
    Gorgeous Ana, 25, has dated Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes since 2020.
    The Brazilian beauty is a nutritionist and has several private clients.
    She also loves swimming in the sea, riding in private yachts, and shares her glam life to over 60,000 followers on Instagram.
    The pair recently welcomed a son, Matteo to their family.
    Anda Lidia Martins is a qualified nutritionistCredit: Instagram @analidiamartinss
    Martins has dated Bruno Guimaraes since 2020Credit: Reuters
    Edurne De Gea
    The wife of David De Gea, Edurne is a singer who once competed in Eurovision.
    However, she caused controversy on Spanish TV when she agreed with a comment that Manchester is “uglier than the back of a fridge”.
    Edurne, 37, began dating the Man Utd shotstopper in 2014.
    They welcomed daughter Yanay in 2021.
    Glam Edurne De Gea is a singer who once competed in EurovisionCredit: Instagram @edurnity
    Edurne began dating David De Gea in 2014
    Charlotte Trippier
    Charlotte was one of the more private World Cup WAGs, stating in her Instagram bio “fam and friends”.
    While she keeps her life away from the public eye, she does also state that she’s “a princess who has found her prince.”
    The striking brunette, 29, is often seen on the sidelines cheering on her husband, Kieran Trippier.
    It is not known when the couple met, however they tied the knot in 2016.
    Charlotte Trippier, first from the left, is one of England’s WagsCredit: Instagram
    The Trippiers prefer to keep a private life outside of footballCredit: Instagram / @ktrippier2
    Lucia Loi
    Loi, 25, has been dating in-form Marcus Rashford for four years now.
    The pretty brunette is a business graduate and studied at the University of Manchester.
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    She loves “fitness, art and cooking” and “enjoys travelling”.
    Rashford popped the question in the summer – with an elaborate proposal in Los Angeles.
    Lucia Loi is a business graduate at Manchester UniversityCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lucialoi/?hl=en
    Lucia Loi and Marcus Rashford got engaged in the summer in Los AngelesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lucialoi/ More

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    Inside Carabao Cup final keeper Karius’ unlikely friendship with Justin Bieber after popstar complimented his tattoos

    LORIS KARIUS became friends with Justin Bieber after the popstar complimented his tattoos.The goalkeeper is set to make his Newcastle debut in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
    Loris Karius and Justin Bieber met on holiday in MiamiCredit: @lorisk21
    The goalkeeper is dating Diletta LeottaCredit: The Mega Agency
    The pair enjoy a jet-set lifestyleCredit: The Mega Agency
    Karius and Diletta often show off to their millions of Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
    Karius is set to star in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in his Newcastle debutCredit: The Mega Agency
    Karius has got his chance thanks to Nick Pope’s suspension, while Martin Dubravka is cup tied.
    The shot-stopper has the opportunity become a Toon legend and he could be cheered on by Bieber.
    The pair met on holiday in Miami in 2015 and exchanged numbers before agreeing to go to a concert together.
    Karius shared the story in 2016 saying: “We just met on holiday randomly last year.
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    “We were staying at the same place in Miami. He liked my tattoos. He was asking me about them and then we got talking. That’s how it started.”
    Karius enjoys the high life and is dating Italian sports presenter Diletta Leotta, who has 8.6million Instagram followers.
    The pair jetted off to Milan this week where they were spotted on a casual lunch date.
    And in December they dressed to the nines for a Christmas dinner and Karius often shows off alongside his girlfriend to his 1.8m Instagram followers.
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    The German has had to find things away from football to keep himself occupied as he has not played a competitive game for two years.
    Newcastle fans are fearing the worst but Eddie Howe believes the final gives Karius a brilliant chance to resurect his career.
    The Magpies boss said: “It would be a magnificent chance for him to rewrite the story of his career. There’s been loads of stories through the times in football where these things have happened and there’s been a really positive outcome – or not.
    “As soon as it happened (Pope’s red card) there was a feeling of whether there was another page in Karius’ career to write. Who knows what that chapter will look like?
    “That’s the beauty of football. We never know what is going to happen. This unpredictability is what makes it such an amazing thing to watch.” More

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    How Newcastle lined up for last trophy win and where they are now including Bramble & Solano ahead of Carabao Cup final

    NEWCASTLE fans have been absolutely starved of success in recent years… well, decades, actually.The long-suffering Toon faithful will be hoping to have something to celebrate this Sunday when they face Manchester United in the final of the Carabao Cup.
    How Newcastle lined up for their last piece of silverware in the 3-0 win over Lillestrom in the 2006 Intertoto Cup
    Eddie Howe is working wonders at St James’ Park and looks likely to be the man to finally end the silverware drought and bring back the glory days to the North East.
    In fact, Newcastle haven’t won a trophy since 2006.
    And even then, they were only awarded a plaque for “winning” the Intertoto Cup.
    Incredibly, 11 TEAMS were crowned champions – with their victory in Europe’s old third tier competition seeing them promoted to the Uefa Cup.
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    Newcastle were eventually named outright winners after progressing further than their 10 rivals in what’s now known as the Europa League.
    But Glenn Roeder’s squad weren’t given a traditional trophy for their achievement.
    Instead, then-captain Scott Parker was given a plaque.
    Still, for a team absolutely itching for a title, it’s silverware, so who cares?
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    After all, it was Newcastle’s first “trophy” for 37 years, since their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup win of 1968-69. Ouch.
    The Toon beat Lillestrom 4-1 on aggregate – winning 3-0 in Norway following a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
    Here’s how Roeder set up his team that day…
    SHAY GIVEN
    The Ireland legend played 462 times for the Toon – including their 3-0 win at Lillestrom.
    Given left to join Manchester City in 2009 and also turned out for Stoke, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa before retiring.
    Since hanging up his gloves, the 134-cap former international has turned to coaching – working under Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney at Derby following a spell as No2 at Villa under Paul Lambert while still a player.
    Shay Given was Newcastle’s No1 for the Intertoto Cup win ahead of Steve Harper and Tim KrulCredit: Getty – Contributor
    STEPHEN CARR
    Another former Irish international, Carr spent five years at St James’ Park following 13 seasons at Totteham.
    The right-back moved to Birmingham in 2009 before retiring four years later.
    The club had hoped he’d stay on as coach, but Carr instead headed to Spain to open a string of bars – with Eva Longoria and Katie Price among the punters.
    Stephen Carr was right-back for Newcastle in 2006Credit: AP:Associated Press
    TITUS BRAMBLE
    A £6million buy under Sir Bobby Robson, Bramble became famous for a string of blunders and was even voted the Premier League’s Worst Player of the Year in 2004 by The Fiver.
    But his volleyed goal against Chelsea secured Newcastle’s place in the Intertoto Cup en route to their victory.
    The cult icon also played for Ipswich, Wigan and Sunderland in his career, before retiring in 2013.
    Bramble briefly served as player-coach at non-league Stowmarket Town in 2017 following a spell as Under-11s coach at Ipswich in 2014.
    He is now an ambassador and lead coach for Future Stars 15 – helping youngsters in Togo and Ghana.
    Titus Bramble was a regular in the Newcastle XI during their European runCredit: Reuters
    STEVEN TAYLOR
    The New Zealand defender spent a staggering 21 years at Newcastle – and saw them yo-yo between the Premier League and Championship as well as their Intertoto Cup success.
    The centre-back still only managed 268 appearances in the first-team in that time before embarking a late journeyman career.
    Taylor played for Portland Timbers, Ipswich, Peterborough, Wellington Phoenix (twice) and Odisha before retiring in 2021.
    Last year, Taylor was named coach of Gulf United in the UAE and helped the team achieve promotion to the Second Division.
    Newcastle legend was part of the XI to beat Lillestrom in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
    CELESTINE BABAYARO
    The left-back joined the Toon from Chelsea in 2005 and would play 47 times before rekindling his relationship with old Blues boss Ruud Gullit at LA Galaxy.
    But after a fall-out regarding his attitude, he was axed after just 45 minutes of pre-season action.
    Babayaro trained with Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth, but he retired after they failed to offer the Nigerian a contract.
    Since retiring, Babayaro has a number of reported business interests, including football agent and brand ambassador for Nigerian National League side Kaduna United.
    Celestine Babayaro was Newcastle’s left-back later in his careerCredit: PA:Press Association
    NOLBERTO SOLANO
    The Toon legend starred at St James’ Park across two spells – between 1998-2004 and 2005-2007 – with a stint at Aston Villa sandwiched between.
    “Nobby” racked up over 300 appearances in all, including the Intertoto Cup success, before winding down his career with West Ham, Larissa, Universitario, Leicester, Hull and Hartlepool.
    Solano moved into coaching, first with non-league Newcastle Benfield, before spells in Peru and Canada.
    He most-recently worked as Peru’s assistant manager – leaving his post in June 2022.
    Toon icon Nobby Solano started in midfield for the Lillestrom victoryCredit: EPA
    EMRE
    The Turkey legend spent three seasons at Newcastle – including the Intertoto Cup-winning year.
    He scored the third in the 3-0 win at Lillestrom.
    Emre played 82 times for the club, before turning out for Fenerbahce across three spells, as well as Atletico Madrid and Istanbul Basaksehir.
    The midfielder retired in 2020 before taking over as Fenerbahce interim boss in 2021.
    He later took charge of Istanbul Basaksehir – where he still manages to this day.
    Emre kept Nicky Butt out of the XI for the big win in NorwayCredit: PA:Press Association
    SCOTT PARKER
    The ex-Toon captain has hit the headlines recently with Club Brugge fans already turning on their recently-appointed boss.
    Before all that though, Parker enjoyed a stellar career with Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham.
    The 18-cap England international retired in 2017 before moving into management.
    Parker took charge of Fulham between 2019 and 2021, before his time at Bournemouth.
    He was sacked by the Cherries just days after a 9-0 thumping against Liverpool in August 2022.
    Parker is now in charge of Club Brugge in Belgium, but fans were quick to vent their frustration after just seven weeks amid a torrid run of form.
    Scott Parker was captain of the Newcastle team to lift the Intertoto Cup plaqueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    CHARLES N’ZOGBIA
    The two-cap former France star kicked off his senior career at Newcastle, playing 155 times between 2004 and 2009.
    He spent three years at Wigan and four at Aston Villa before a proposed move to Nantes was cancelled after the discovery of a heart issue.
    N’Zogbia never officially announced his retirement and lives a low-profile life in France.
    Charles N’Zogbia started in midfield for the 3-0 victory in NorwayCredit: PA:Press Association
    JAMES MILNER
    Just a youngster during the Intertoto Cup campaign, Milner spent two years in the Leeds first team before moving to St James’.
    The then-winger-turned-full-back-turned-central-midfielder moved to Villa in 2008 before five seasons with newly-rich Man City, helping them to their first Premier League title.
    Milner moved on a free to Liverpool in 2015 and would go on to help them also win their first Prem crown in 2019-20, as well as the Champions League in 2018-19.
    He was also a key member of the squad to win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, as well as reach the Champions League final.
    Still playing at Liverpool at the age of 37, the 61-cap England international is trusted by boss Jurgen Klopp to be an experienced leader in big matches.
    The super-fit, age-defying midfielder is almost certain to move into coaching after retiring from playing.
    A young James Milner started in an attacking midfield roleCredit: EPA
    SHOLA AMEOBI
    The forward spent 19 years at Newcastle, working his way through the youth ranks and playing 397 times for the first-team, scoring 79 goals.
    He scored the first two goals in the Lillestrom win, en route to Intertoto Cup glory.
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    Wound down his career with Gaziantep, Crystal Palace, Bolton, Fleetwood and Notts County before retiring in 2018.
    A year later he returned to Newcastle to become the club’s first ever loan manager.
    Shola Ameobi was the hero for Newcastle on the day scoring twiceCredit: PA:Press Association More