Former Newcastle United defender Jonathan Woodgate has admitted he was reduced to tears ahead of his move to the club from Leeds United.
Woodgate joined the Magpies in January 2003 for a fee in the region of £9 million with Leeds on the verge of financial ruin and their squad of the early 2000’s decimated by sales.
Leeds had established themselves as one of the best teams in the country during that timeframe, reaching the Champions League semi-finals and achieving several European finishes in a row.
At the time of his signing, Woodgate was considered as a superb signing for Newcastle after building up a reputation of being one of the best central defenders in the country.
But Woodgate struggled with injuries at St. James’ Park and made just 37 appearances in all competitions for the club across two seasons.
And while Woodgate admits the Magpies were a great side at the time of his arrival, he was gutted to have to leave Leeds due to the success he enjoyed at Elland Road.
In an interview with the Times, he said: “I was crying leaving the training ground because I didn’t want to go — I was absolutely devastated.
“Not because Newcastle wasn’t a top club. It is; they had players like Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, Laurent Robert, Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Jenas.
“Sir Bobby Robson was manager, but I was happy at Leeds. I loved the club, and it was like a family to me.
“They said, ‘You have to go, otherwise the club’s f***ed, basically,’ and could go into liquidation.”
