Former full-back Massaido Haidara claims he’d love to come back ‘home’ to Newcastle United – 7 years after Alan Pardew brought him to St James’ Park.
After signing for £2m in 2013, the former French U-21 international left the club on a free transfer in 2018 following five injury-plagued years on Tyneside, securing a move to Ligue 2 side Lens.
Since leaving he’s stayed fit and played 57 times over the past two seasons, with his goal and 4 assists putting Lens in contention to earn promotion back to the French top flight this summer.
Speaking to The Chronicle about a potential return to St James’ Park, here’s what he’s had to say:
“Why not come back one day to England, or to Newcastle?
“I still follow Newcastle.
“It’s a club where I spent a lot of time, where I’ve got a lot of friends – it’s home to me,”
“I still get messages from Newcastle fans on social media who still give me affection. That’s really something special.
“From the moment I arrived they always supported me, whether that be during the tough times or the moments when it was going better.
“That’s something that’s always left a mark on me and which remains in my memory.”
Lovely words from the left-back, who’s one of many former player who still speaks so highly of the club, city and our fans several years on from his exit.
It’s great to see Haidara get his career back on track in France, however a move back to St James’ Park seems highly unlikely and nothing more than wishful thinking given he’s now 27 and playing in the French second tier.
Good luck to him – hopefully he’s back in Ligue 1 next season after leading Lens to promotion in the coming months!
