Translation of today's interview:

1) You played in the 0-1 defeat against Bilbao on Saturday. How did it feel to be back on the pitch?

It felt good to be back on the pitch and I thought I did reasonably well. Obviously I need more training with my team-mates, and we'll do that this week so we are all ready for the game against Chelsea on Sunday.

2) You had a really good game and put in a fantastic free kick?

Yes, the free kick was good but the keeper saved it well. Otherwise, I put in some good passes and played quite well.

3) Does Newcastle's football suit you?

Yes, they play 4-4-2 with me in a free role down the left. Their style of football suits me perfectly.

4) Did Bobby Robson talk to you before the game?

Yes, he told me to enjoy playing in front of the public and to play my game and do what I know best.

5) The match was in honour of Robert Lee. Was SJP full?

Not entirely but the supporters were incredibly noisy. Normally, there are crowds of about 52000 which is just amazing.

6) The PL season begins at Chelsea on Sunday. Not an easy game.

Not an easy game at all and getting a draw wouldn't be bad. I'm just going to put my efforts into helping the team and I'm going to try to enjoy it. I came to England to play in big games like this.

7) You'll meet Manu Petit and Desailly. Have you ever played against them?

Not against Desailly but I have played against Manu when he was at Monaco. In any event, I can't wait to play against him.

8) Did you watch the Charity Shield?

The second half. It was great stuff. Liverpool and Manchester United are big teams in the EPL but we aren't bad at Newcastle either.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Answers

Thankyou Dougal.

they play 4-4-2 with me in a free role down the left. Their style of football suits me perfectly

I'll prefer it when he starts using "we" and "our" rather than "they" and "their". He's one of us now. :-)

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Did a Mashekskechum ask the questions?

"5) The match was in honour of Robert Lee. Was SJP full?

Not entirely but the supporters were incredibly noisy. Normally, there are crowds of about 52000 which is just amazing. "

in responce to Jonno, aye, another mercenry by the sounds of it

18,000 Class, of all the rivals SAFC could have in the world, im SO glad its the scum.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Jonno, he does say "we" at the end :) I thought this was quite a positive interview actually.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Heh heh, AML. 18,000 class supporters. Added to the 50,000 plus who have watched us in Europe already, not to mention another 50,000 r so next week. Remind me, how many have watched you in Europe this season??

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

of all the rivals SAFC could have in the world, im SO glad its the scum.

This from Another Mackem Lurker who, paradoxically, doesn't seem to understand the meaning of the word "lurk". :-)

"Scum"? No - believe me guys - as I said earlier, the Mackems are really nice people - most of them anyway - honest - they're really the same as us. :-)

Why do most of the ones who come on here let me down? :-)

Only 18000 - that's caused enormous pleasure at the 2nd best supported club in the North East hasn't it? :-)

(28 years unbeaten in European competition and counting ....)

Marvellous - and not a word of abuse necessary. :-)

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001