Ruud van Nistelrooy gets emotional discussing Sir Bobby Robson before Newcastle United clash - must read

A legend on Tyneside for his five-year spell in the dugout, Robson managed Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven on two occasions. It was the second time that saw the former England manager link up with Van Nistelrooy, then a youngster but series goal machine in the Eredivisie.

Robson managed PSV on a short-deal term for the 1998-99 season before heading to St James’ Park the following year. While missing out on the league title - a feat he achieved twice the first time around - he secured Champions League qualification on the final day.

Van Nistelrooy bagged 41 goals in 46 games that year to continue his rise that eventually led him to Manchester United and Real Madrid. Now preparing Leicester for his first away game as Foxes boss, the 48-year-old paid tribute to a footballing great.

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

"The memory I have of Newcastle is Sir Bobby Robson," Van Nistelrooy said. “Leading up to this game, my thoughts went back to the year I had with him at PSV.

"He was a wonderful man and thinking of him makes me smile. I will go there with that thought. Football, he was always talking about getting better and improving. You cannot control everything.

"But to be a team and what it's like to be a team. The sense of humour he mixed in to motivate the players. It was amazing. Fight and spirit and emotion and being the best you can be."

Van Nistelrooy also took no notice of Newcastle’s league position, 12th, preferring to focus on the quality throughout the team. He added: "I looked at Newcastle and know how strong they are. We don't focus on where they are in the league, but on the potential of where they can be. It's a great squad. We have to be spot-on to get a good game.

"They're offensive threats, with (Alexander) Isak and (Anthony) Gordon and the midfield power they have with Joelinton and (Bruno) Guimaraes. They've got many options and it's a good opportunity to continue to grow ourselves."