It amazes me how the big four - Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool - never seem to have a problem with their Latin players, yet Newcastle have had nothing but grief with theirs.
Marcelino arrived as huge 6ft-plus defender, but spent six months out of the game with a broken finger! Gazza played for three months in Italy with a broken cheek bone!
Hugo Viana didn't like to be touched, nor did Diego Gavilan, yet both went on to play in the World Cup last summer and impress.
Now we have Albert Luque, who has hardly started a game in two seasons.
Sampdoria's Vincenzo Montella: "My time at Fulham was a great experience and a valuable one for me as a person.
Sampdoria Star Expects A Kicking
"I am happy to be breathing the British air again. Apart from the big clubs, their football is based almost entirely on brute physical strength, but they do have a fantastic atmosphere.
"I am still a long way off my best shape and my legs are very heavy after the pre-season training. I am working hard, but that is a good sign, as it means all this training will pay off in the end.
"Events like this at Newcastle are needed to get your match fitness and tempo back. It is only normal that we're not on form at this stage, but it's through these games that you get there."