Newcastle United recruit 48-goal hero in build up to Leeds United clash

A Newcastle United cult hero was back representing the club last week.

Nolberto Solano, who made 315 appearances and scored 48 goals across two spells on Tyneside, joined CEO Darren Eales in Atlanta as Eddie Howe’s side prepare to visit the USA in July as part of the Premier League Summer Series.

Solano helped inspire the next generation of football fans in the city by hosting a coaching session before taking part in a special supporter event ahead of the 2-2 draw with Leeds United.

During the pre-match session at the Brewhouse Cafe, Solano fielded questions from the floor about his time at St James’ Park, while Eales provided an insight into the club’s ambitions.

Howe’s men will be based in Atlanta when they travel stateside. United’s fixture at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium against on July 26 falls in the middle of facing Aston Villa in Philadelphiaand Brighton & Hove Albion in New Jersey.

‘America is an exciting market for sport’

“To have over 150 fans come out and support us, early in the morning, in Atlanta is truly special,” Eales reflected. “The passion that we see every week St. James’ Park and in Newcastle is echoed around the world and it’s incredible to see.

“Football in America has had a rapid growth over the last decade and to see fans here that are from Newcastle and the US is great. We have adopted Geordies across the world and we have the ambition to connect with as many supporter groups as possible.

“Being in Atlanta, seeing the fans ahead of the Premier League Summer Series allows us to engage with our supporters before what will be a brilliant pre-season, both on and off the pitch.

“America is an exciting market for sport and we want to be part of this, bringing Newcastle United to global audiences and making sure that we take our supporters with us during this exciting time for the club.”

‘We can help tell the story of Newcastle United’

Solano added: “Football is huge around the world and in America it is becoming more and more popular. America is sport crazy and football is gaining more and more fans. People in America are now talking about football, whether it is the MLS or the Premier League, so Newcastle United can be a big part of this growth.

“The special thing about the Premier League is that fans around the world watch it and want to pick a football team to follow. For me, that team can be Newcastle United because it has great history, players, and right now the club is an exciting place with the ambitions on and off the pitch.

“Hopefully by spending time here in Atlanta we can help tell the story of Newcastle United, what the football club means to people back in the North East, and make people feel a connection. Imagine if we can help young fans to become Newcastle fans.”

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