Philippe Albert advises MFP: ‘I lived in Newcastle for five fantastic years, the most beautiful of my life’

Just over 32 years ago, Kevin Keegan signed Philippe Albert after watching him excel at the 1994 World Cup.

After playing for Belgium in those World Cup finals in the USA, the defender chose Newcastle United ahead of Juventus and Fiorentina.

Philippe Albert becoming the first Belgian to play for Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Another World Cup finals in the USA and finally now a second Belgian is set to play for Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Philippe Albert couldn’t be happier as Matias Fernandez-Pardo has joined United after impressing at the 2026 World Cup finals with Belgium, following an outstanding season with Lille.

Philippe Albert declaring: “It is a personal pleasure to see a Belgian in Newcastle.”

I think fair to say that the now 59-year-old Newcastle United cult hero is arguably the most exciting central defender to play for NUFC. His marauding runs up the pitch were something special and the goals he scored against the likes of Man U will live long in the memory. Fabian Schar probably most similar to Albert when it comes Newcastle United quality on the ball as a central defender.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very different type of exciting player, only 21 he is an attacking player with electric pace who can play any position across the front line.

Philippe Albert declaring to Le Soir: “MFP will have to deal with pressure but he has the weapons to meet the challenge…he arrives as a striker and it is a position where it is difficult to break away from comparisons with Alan Shearer. It will be up to him to adapt, to work and to perform. Given his style of play, I think it can [be a great] match with the fans.”

Philippe Albert telling media in Belgium what Matias Fernandez-Pardo can expect on Tyneside: “MFP will discover an experience that he has never had the opportunity [previously] to live and that he will certainly not live again afterwards. I am happy for him as he is going to discover an extraordinary club with fantastic fans, who are arguably the best in the world. These fans will encourage you all the time and if they see that you are giving everything on the pitch, they will continue to support you, even if there are poor results. I lived in Newcastle for five fantastic years, the most beautiful of my life.”

(Newcastle United have had another Belgian play for the club during the Premier League era. However, Matz Sels played league games only in the Championship for NUFC, not in the EPL)

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