THIS former Real Madrid midfielder has revealed he turned down Newcastle United move
By Liam Kennedy
Published 18th Sep 2019, 07:00 BST
Updated 18th Sep 2019, 10:35 BST
Former Real Madrid, Celtic and Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen has revealed he turned down the chance to join Newcastle United.
In the summer of 2006 the Denmark international’s time at the Bernabeu was up and he was told to find another club.
Then manager Glenn Roeder, fresh from getting United back into Europe, was keen to sign the tough-tackling midfielder.
But the player opted for a move north of the border, instead of a stint on Tyneside.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Gravesen said: “Newcastle was very close. It was either them or Celtic. My time at Celtic was great – I loved every minute of it.
“Fabio Capello was appointed (at Real Madrid) and was honest enough to tell me straight away – ‘listen, I won’t use you here. I want to use a different player in your position.
“I always liked it when people said that to my face.”