Didi Hamann could most-commonly be related to Liverpool, however many overlook it was truly Newcastle United the German first opted to affix within the Premier League.
After rising via the ranks at Bayern Munich within the Bundesliga, Hamann had his decide of golf equipment in the summertime of 1998. Actual Madrid have been even considering securing his companies after strong 1998 World Cup shows. But Hamann knew he needed to play for Newcastle United as quickly because the Magpies got here calling, and it was all all the way down to the gaffer, Kenny Dalglish.
“We had many glorious gamers at Bayern, however we by no means gelled as a crew,” the 49 yr previous tells FourFourTwo now. “I all the time felt that , in an effort to fulfil my potential, I wanted to depart.
“After the 1998 World Cup in France, Actual Madrid have been , however the keenest strategy was Newcastle with Kenny Dalglish in cost. My thoughts was made up immediately, and I loved it.
“Typically it wasn’t as skilled as Bayern, like their coaching floor and issues, however I discovered a crew with loads of spirit. It was a disappointing yr, nevertheless. We reached the FA Cup last, however didn ’t do in addition to anticipated within the Premier League [finishing 13th] .”
Hamann made simply 23 league appearances for the Toon earlier than signing for Liverpool, the place he went on to make 280 first-team appearances, scoring 11 objectives. Hamann was essential in securing two FA Cups, two League Cups and the 2005 Champions League throughout his time at Anfield. The German grew to become a legend on Merseyside, although he has Newcastle and Dalglish for making a transfer to England attainable within the first place.
