Wor Jackie asked if "Southern softies (from London)" could play in the freezing North-East.
"Can they play in the clarts" ... which was how the St James' Park pitch was from October to March.
Davide Santon may not be from London, but he has certainly struggled with the English winter.
But he has got over that first winter and has been one of United’s star performers in a difficult season, having initially struggled to adapt after his £5m move from Inter Milan last summer.
But with his Geordie girlfriend, and support from his family, the defender is now settled on Tyneside.
Davide Santon: “It’s not too difficult because my family, my parents and brother, are coming over for a visit on Christmas Eve.
“I will be busy because we have so many games, and big games as well, but I’ll still have time to see them.
“I am used to it by now because there are always a lot of games in England at this time of the year. We have Manchester United and Arsenal, so it’s an important time.
“It’s not the best period for us right now.
"But I do think we can come back and play as we did last season. I believe we can still finish in a high position.
“We do have difficult games coming up, it will be tough.
“Newcastle feels like home.
“My girlfriend is from here – a Geordie girl – so I am really settled. I am happy here.
“I don’t miss Italy. I do miss my family, of course, but I love living here.
“I don’t even mind the weather. It’s a bit different, but Milan is cold during the winter."