Jose Enrique says he ‘loved’ the fans at Newcastle United but has admitted that former owner Mike Ashley didn’t make things easy. Enrique arrived at St James’ Park from Villarreal in 2007 and amassed 129 appearances for the club in four seasons. He went on to spend five seasons at Liverpool, before retiring after a solitary campaign in the Spanish second-tier at Real Zaragoza. The Spaniard has opened up on his time at Newcastle and how many loyal servants felt undervalued during the Ashley era.
Jose Enrique said: “I played for the best club in the world, in my opinion, that’s Liverpool, but I loved Newcastle and my years there. I had my ups and downs, like you have anywhere, like any player at any club. I can tell you about one game against Nottingham Forest where I scored. We beat them 2-0 and we were actually promoted after that game. When I scored they said it was the goal of the season because of what it meant to the team. I love the fans and how great they are. Of course under Mike Ashley the situation wasn’t great. At Liverpool I was older and I spoke English much better. After I retired, the connection with the club has been amazing. It didn’t happen with Newcastle. Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez didn’t have any connection with the club and I think that was due to Mike Ashley. I think Newcastle are doing that now but they didn’t do it at the time. The love for Liverpool comes from all the things happening with the club during and after playing. Although Newcastle may not think I have love for them, I do, I have lots of love for Newcastle, I love the club. In terms of the moment – that was the one for me. This was the season where I said ’I’m here, I’m going to prove everyone wrong and I’m one of the best footballers technically, I’m going to prove that to everyone’.”
