Shola Ameobi has kicked off the final countdown to Newcastle United's Wembley clash by raising a special flag in the city centre.
The former Newcastle striker joined Lord Mayor Karen Robinson outside of Newcastle Civic Centre on Wednesday to hoist a flag bearing the words 'one city one club.' Supporters group Wor Flags, who are behind the impressive flag displays at St James' Park, created the special tribute ahead of the Carabao Cup final in the capital on Sunday.
Raising the flag, Shola Ameobi said he was excited about the cup final and said the flag is a celebration of what the team has achieved.
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"I am really excited," he said.
"It is great that the city is recognising the team and all that it brings to the city and the local area. So it is really nice to have this gesture.
"It has been a huge honour for me to have raised the flag for the club and hopefully it can be something that we can come to celebrate after the final on Sunday."
Wor Flags was delighted to have been asked to create the tribute and said the flag aims to mark what will be a special occasion for Newcastle United.
A Wor Flags spokesman said: "We’re delighted that the city council saw fit to reach out to us for help with this. The excitement building up to Sunday is clear to see across the region.
"We’re seeing Newcastle bunting and Newcastle flags going up around the city, on houses, on businesses, so to see a Newcastle flag flying high outside the Civic Centre will be a great sight for what will be a special occasion for Newcastle United, regardless of the result.”
Thousands of fans are set to travel to London this weekend for what will be Newcastle United’s first League Cup final since 1976. A total of 32,761 tickets have been issued to supporters but thousands more will be in the capital to soak up the atmosphere as Eddie Howe's side take on Manchester United.
Raising the flag, the Lord Mayor Councillor Robinson said: "Who thought at the beginning of the season we would be here now?
"The Wor Flags displays are truly amazing and are a big part of what makes the Newcastle games so special. I'm sure you will join me in saying, 'Howay the lads!'"
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