"I had some really good years up there and really enjoyed my football. I started off playing for Sir Bobby Robson in what was a really good team and during my time there we finished 3rd, 4th and 5th," he said.
"I learnt a lot about myself when I was a Newcastle player. I got involved in one or two things outside of football but I was lucky because the fans were always with me. They were so supportive of me as a player and I have a lot of respect for them for that. Even through my injury problems I enjoyed it there. It's a special place for me.
"Of course I'm not their player anymore and so I'll probably get a little bit of stick this weekend, but I can accept that. I get stick from a lot of fans and from a lot of people who don't know me, but I can take it from the Newcastle fans because they were so supportive towards me when I played for them.
"As soon as I stepped onto that pitch they were always right behind me and that will stick in my mind more than any boos I might get this weekend."
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