Alan Shearer has quipped about being “devastated” when Leeds United were relegated in 2004. Financial turmoil finally caught up with the Whites just three years after reaching the Champions League semi-final.
High-profile stars like Rio Ferdinand and Harry Kewell were forced to leave Elland Road in the years leading up to Leeds’ eventual downfall. Despite boasting one of the best followings in the Premier League, and winning the title one year before the rebrand in 1992, relegation would keep them out of the top flight for 16 years.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has joked he was just as wounded as Leeds supporters when they succumbed to the second tier. The former Magpies striker scored more goals against the Whites (21) than any other side throughout his career.
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A staggering 13 of those would come while wearing a black-and-white shirt, with the last of those in January 2004 at St James’ Park. While working as a pundit for Leeds vs Manchester City, the Toon legend could not resist poking fun at his former prey.
“I was as devastated as the Leeds fans when they got relegated,” Shearer told Amazon Prime. “It cost me four goals a season! I loved this place, for some reason. I don’t know why, it just happened here so it was one of my happy hunting grounds.”
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