2023-10-04 15:00:09
During the English League Cup match between Newcastle and Manchester City, at St James’s Park, September 27, 2023. SCOTT HEPPELL / REUTERS
The transaction caused a stir, bringing with it its share of controversies. On October 7, 2021, the Premier League, governing body of the first division of English football, approved the acquisition of the Newcastle club, at 80%, by the Saudi State Public Investment Fund (PIF). An operation of “image whitening” of Riyadh denounced the human rights organization, Amnesty International. ” A shame “added the fiancée of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, assassinated within the confines of the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul (Turkey), in 2018. An opportunity to nourish long-extinct dreams of glory preferred to see many supporters of the training.
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Two years later, due to the fervor of an expensive recruitment – almost 350 million euros on the transfer market since the takeover – but very well targeted, the Magpies continue to impress sportingly across the Channel. Above all, they have made their return to the forefront of the European scene. Wednesday October 4, at 9 p.m., Kylian Mbappé and his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammates will taste the bustling atmosphere of St James’s Park, on the occasion of the second day of the group stages of the Champions League . It has been more than twenty years since the stands of this 52,000-seat venue, nestled in the city center of the metropolis in the north-east of England, have vibrated to the rhythm of the most prestigious continental football competition. clubs.
Because Newcastle is a historic club, which can boast of having four English championship titles (1905, 1907, 1909, 1927), six English Cups (1910, 1924, 1932, 1951, 1952, 1955) and numerous participations in European Cups. A team which has also been coached by football legends, such as the Dutchman Ruud Gullit, 1987 Golden Ball, or the Scottish Kenny Dalglish. And if the club is so respected, it is partly thanks to its fans.
A transfer that is debated
Former French international, Yohan Cabaye wore the Magpies jersey for three seasons, from 2011 to 2014, and he has vivid memories of his time there. “St James’s Park resonates with passionate singing and fervor at every encounter. This unique atmosphere inspires players and makes Newcastle a special place to play football”tells the ex-midfielder Monde. The club is the main attraction in the town of 300,000 inhabitants. “It plays a central role in the life of the local community. Supporters live and breathe football, and St James’s Park is at the heart of that passion. The matches bring together thousands of people, creating a real communion”insists the one who also wore the colors of PSG.
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