Newcastle United cult hero Fabrice Pancrate makes ‘magical’ St James’ Park claim ahead of PSG

Fabrice Pancrate, remember him? Yes, that’s right, the guy who scored *that* goal against Watford at St James’ Park in December 2009.

Having spent five years at Newcastle United’s latest Champions League opponents Paris Saint-Germain, the Frenchman arrived on Tyneside as a free agent in November 2009 and went on to make 16 appearances as the Magpies won promotion from the Championship at the first attempt under Chris Hughton.

Pancrate only found the net once for United but it was a strike that would establish himself as a somewhat cult hero. We’ve attached the video below as our words won’t quite do the goal justice!

Anyhow, after departing St James’ Park in the following summer, Pancrate joined Greek club AEL Football Club before finishing his career back in France with Nantes.

The now 43-year-old hasn’t really spoken about his short time at Newcastle, not least to the UK media, but tonight’s Champions League fixture involving both of his former clubs was the ideal opportunity.

Speaking to PSG’s English website, Pancrate said: “It was magical to see the whole stadium in harmony with its players despite the fact that we were only playing in the second division. Different generations of fans go to games together, and everyone wears black and white. It really is impressive!

He continued: “Newcastle have been waiting to get back into the UEFA Champions League for a very long time. The whole city will be behind The Magpies.

“Incidentally, I can remember how, before games, during the warm-up, the stadium would be practically empty because the fans were at the bar. As soon as the game kicked off, though, there wasn’t a single empty seat!

“Newcastle have their strengths. They’ll look to play forward, and that’ll free up spaces for our strikers. Either way, this is a fantastic match-up that has all the hallmarks of a goalfest!”