{"id":290498,"date":"2023-09-19T16:34:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T16:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=290498"},"modified":"2023-09-19T16:34:25","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T16:34:25","slug":"i-wanted-declan-rice-to-join-newcastle-but-london-boys-dont-like-north-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/soccer\/i-wanted-declan-rice-to-join-newcastle-but-london-boys-dont-like-north-east\/","title":{"rendered":"‘I wanted Declan Rice to join Newcastle \u2013 but London boys don’t like north-east’"},"content":{"rendered":"
  • Bookmark<\/span><\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n

    <\/p>\n

    For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter<\/p>\n

    Thank you for subscribing!<\/h2>\n

    For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter<\/p>\n

    We have more newsletters<\/p>\n

    London footballers are snubbing Newcastle because they don\u2019t like the north-east, according to a Magpies legend.<\/p>\n

    With their Saudi-backed wealth, Newcastle are expected to challenge the so-called \u2018big six\u2019 over the next few years, both on and off the pitch. However, according to Nolberto Solano \u2013 a fans\u2019 favourite at St James\u2019 Park between 1998 and 2004 \u2013 many players turn their noses up at the prospect of playing for the Magpies due to the club's location.<\/p>\n

    Solano was hoping Newcastle, on the back of securing Champions League qualification, would swoop for Declan Rice last summer. However, the Peruvian, who remains fond of the north-east, wasn\u2019t surprised to see the Londoner stay in the capital by joining Arsenal in a \u00a3100million-plus deal.<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: 'I tried to fine Newcastle stars 50% of wages \u2013 then I heard knock at the door' <\/b><\/p>\n

    READ MORE:<\/b> Newcastle's last European campaign was blighted by pair of naked streakers <\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cI was really hopeful that Newcastle could get Declan Rice, but he\u2019s a London boy and he wanted to stay there,\u201d Solano told Betway. \u201cI don\u2019t know what the problem is with the north-east, many London players don\u2019t seem to like it up there. <\/p>\n

    \u201cNewcastle is a pretty city to be in and a pretty city to live in, but everyone makes their own decisions. I would have really liked to have seen Rice at Newcastle, but the club obviously have to be careful with Financial Fair Play, so it\u2019s understandable.\u201d<\/p>\n

    What do you think about players snubbing the north-east? Tell us in the comments section below<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    One high-profile player who did make the switch to Newcastle this summer was Sandro Tonali, who arrived from AC Milan. After a bright start to his Magpies career, the Italian has struggled in recent weeks, but Solano is sure Eddie Howe has a fine player on his hands.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTonali was one of many players who did well in the 5-1 victory over Aston Villa in the season opener, but after coming through a difficult period of form people have started to get a bit worried,\u201d said the former Villa and Boca Juniors winger.<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    TNT is the only place you can watch all the action from the Champions League this year. You can see every game from the group stage right through to the final as Manchester City look to defend their crown as the newest kings of the World's biggest and best football tournament.<\/p>\n

    \u00a329.99 a month<\/p>\n

    \u201cAny player who arrives from abroad to the Premier League takes time to adapt. I hope their form picks up now because it\u2019s easier to do when your team is winning games. When form is going badly, there\u2019s a lot more criticism, which can affect people.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBut you can see he\u2019s a good player. I really like him with Bruno Guimaraes. For me, they aren\u2019t really pace players but they\u2019re intelligent and are great with the ball at their feet. Like I said, I think it\u2019s going to be a tough season for everyone, but if Newcastle do well then players can be a bit more relaxed in the way they play, which in turn takes the pressure off a little.\u201d<\/p>\n