I captained Newcastle United - their supporters are unbelievable and I hope they win Carabao Cup final

Signed in 2004, the ex-midfielder spent six years on Tyneside, albeit one on loan with Birmingham City. Butt represented Newcastle in the UEFA Cup and was part of the team that tasted FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United, his boyhood club, 20 years ago.

That was until Mike Ashley transformed the club’s fortunes for the worse in 2007. The Sports Direct tycoon bought Newcastle and, within two years, they were relegated to the Championship.

Butt was given the armband by Chris Hughton ahead of the 2009-10 and helped Newcastle secure an instant Premier League return. Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup final, the 50-year-old opened up about United’s “unbelievable” supporters and his sadness at being there during the dark times.

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“I had some amazing times up there,” Butt told talkSPORT. “I had some bad times too. We got relegated. I never won anything apart from the Championship. But they’re such passionate fans and they deserve a cup.

“First and foremost, Newcastle is an amazing place to play football. I’m saying that (having played in) bad times. They’re passionate… they’re unbelievable. I’d have loved to have been there and tried to win something.”

On the game itself, Butt backed the Magpies to cause an upset and end their 70-year trophy hoodoo. The former Toon captain highlighted Liverpool’s setback to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday possibly having a lasting effect.

“When you look at Newcastle, go into it (the final) with a positive,” Butt added. “Liverpool lost, they’re going to go into the game with not so much momentum. What I will say is Newcastle fans are going to be loud. They will be unbelievable.

“It’s a tough game but I’ve got a sneaky feeling for Newcastle. I hope they go on and win it. Newcastle go into this game on a high. Their midfield is one of the best in the league. And the fans, I mean, I can’t wait to hear the noise.”

Arsenal legend echoed similar thoughts on Liverpool

Paul Merson also raised concerns about Liverpool being able to quickly bounce back from Champions League heartbreak. He told Sky Sports after the game: "Now they've got to pick themselves up. I would think mentally, losing the game… If they'd have won the game and won on penalties, they'd have that energy. It would have come. You get the air in the lungs.

“They will be a bit distraught. They'll be disappointed. They've got to pick themselves up for a cup final against a team that haven't won a trophy since I was born, so it's a massive football match. Big advantage to Newcastle tonight."

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