Mike Ashley may be on his way out of Newcastle United, but the countless number of moronic decisions he’s made continue to haunt us to this day.
The perfect example of his mind-boggling approach to owning a football club? Salomon Rondon.
The Venezuelan powerhouse was outstanding during his loan spell at St James’ Park last season, being not only involved in 19 goals, but constantly leading the line with conviction and class.
He was our player of the season and the key cog in Rafa’s system, yet was deemed was ‘too old’ to be spending £16.5m on.
A year on from his final few games in a black and white shirt, the big man has now sent a brilliant message to Newcastle fans on Twitter, revealing how May brings back ‘great memories’ of his time on Tyneside:
The atmosphere that night against Liverpool was electric and the scenes after that 4-0 win at Fulham both emotional and bittersweet, with us not knowing if we were on the cusp of a takeover to keep Rafa and Rondon around – or complete and utter devastation.
We weren’t always great to watch last season (although this year would’ve been far worse if it wasn’t for Saint-Maximin!), but seeing Rondon bully his man, offer a constant outlet and battle for every ball was a joy to watch across 2018/19.
He was everything you’d want from a target man, he didn’t miss much and he ran himself into the ground every week, looking fitter than ever before and proving he had plenty life in him at Premier League level yet.
Sadly, the powers that be didn’t see it that way, showing no interest in pursuing a permanent deal and allowing both he and Rafa Benitez to slip away.
Big names may arrive if and when this Saudi-backed takeover goes through, but wouldn’t it be nice to see Salomon Rondon back at St James’ Park this summer!
