Every Ex-Toon Player Has The Same Regret
Last updated : 05 September 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Alan Shearer, who turned down Manchester United, said he had no regrets spending ten years at the club but wished he had lifted a trophy for the Toon Army.
Solano arrived at St James' in a £2.5million move from Argentinian side Boca Juniors in August 1998 and made 314 appearances, scoring 48 goals.
The 32-year-old Peruvian spent two spells on Tyneside but admitted he needed to be nearer to his wife and children in London, so he jumped at the chance to join the Hammers.
Solano: "I only have one regret about my time at Newcastle United, and that is I did not help give the fans the trophy they deserve.
"I have to say the Newcastle supporters were great to me and I can honestly say I always tried my best for them.
"The only reason I wanted to leave was because of my family, and they all seemed to understand that.
"I know I am a professional footballer, but my family is very important to me.
"My daughter Luana was born in Birmingham during my time at Aston Villa, but my son Madias was born and bred in Newcastle and he is a real Geordie boy.
"They are in London and that's the only reason I wanted to go down there.
"On Friday morning, I had changed my mind and I was convinced I would be staying - and I was happy at that.
"But looking at the great squad Newcastle have got, I accepted I would not play that many matches this season and for that reason - and my family - I thought it was best to go when West Ham came back in for me."
"It will be great to come back so soon because everything happened so fast on Friday, I did not have time to say many goodbyes.
"But you never know, I might be back permanently one day as manager of Newcastle United - or as a coach if Alan Shearer is looking for one in years to come."