Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media, after former Toon midfielder Mehdi Abeid told the Chronicle that his biggest regret is quitting the club for Panathinaikos Athens in 2015.
Abeid moved to the North East from academy side RC Lens in 2011 as a free agent, but would only feature in ten Premier League fixtures before being sent out on loan to St. Johnstone and later Panathinaikos.
The Algeria international had a second chance at St. James’ Park upon his return from Greece, though of his 13 top-flight outings in 2014/15, only seven came in the starting line-up amid an injury-ravished term.
Enough was enough for the club after that, and Abeid returned to Panathinaikos as a permanent player of the Super League side and soon secured a move back to France, this time with FCO Dijon.
Now of fellow Ligue 1 side FC Nantes after a switch to the Stade de la Beaujoire last summer, Abeid is in solid form as a regular of Christian Gourcuff’s side with two goals and two assists in all competitions after 19 outings.
But a move back to St. James’ Park remains in the 27-year-old’s mind, though the £1.58million-rated midfielder is not planning a homecoming just yet.
“I think it was my biggest regret to quit Newcastle United,” Abeid said. “If I could change the past, I would take the decision to stay and prove myself to the club and the fans. But I was really young and I needed that game time to progress.
Would you bring Abeid back to Newcastle?
Yes
No
“[My departure] was without assurances [on a return] but with on good terms. The club understood that I wanted to have game time, but I wish one day to play again for Newcastle United again.
“There is a lot of work to do and I’m concentrating with Nantes to make a great season here.
“Like I said, me and my family loved the city and the time we had there, I’ve been back a couple of times since I left three years ago.”
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Abeid’s comments…
He was a great player, surprised he didn’t get a good chance
— Garren H. (@GHamblin16) January 9, 2020
I liked him and Mbabu too. Dunno why we sold them. Should’ve been patient and loaned them for longer.
— Jay Ashun (@JKOversion1) January 9, 2020
another good player Rafa let go without playing
— tom (@Tommy_Da_Tank) January 9, 2020
That spell he had in the team he was absolutely solid, would love him back should never of sold him.
— Lee (@bykerwallv3) January 9, 2020
I’d love him back!!
— samantha (@mumba88) January 9, 2020
Never let us down when he played tbf that I can think of..
— waynecarter (@waynecarter352) January 9, 2020
Bring him home
— Rab Ropes🤙 (@RabRopes) January 9, 2020
Killed by Carver the Charver hanging him out to dry tbh. He’d be no better off under the Bruceosaurus though #NUFC #ashleyout #bruceout
— Ian (@ian_riches) January 9, 2020
Always wanted him too stay
— 🅰️iden O’K 🉐️ (@A1dypercent) January 9, 2020
Never got a chance did he really.
— Jon (@NUFCAnon) January 9, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, two £15m Toon men are being eyed as upgrades for a struggling Premier League side.