By-by Baba ... And Good Riddance!

Last updated : 10 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

 I'm sure there will be no love lost, as the Nigerian has not played in the first team since March because of a series of injuries, half-truths, and lack of commitment.

Babayaro cost United £1m when Graeme Souness brought him to St James's Park from Chelsea in January, 2005.

And it had to be seen to believed when he insisted on walking out with the Chelsea players at St James' Park after they won the league and the United players clapped them onto the pitch ... even though he was a Newcastle player!

His love for the Blues never wavered, and we never saw the sort of form he produced at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea took him to Stamford Bridge in April 1997 for £2.25m it was a club record for a teenager and during his time in West London he played nearly 150 games.

But his days were numbered when Chelsea signed one-time United target Wayne Bridge from Southampton.

Babayaro only started 66 games for United and his confidence was shot when the Toon fans "got on his back" during a league fixture with Reading when he simply .. couldn't be bothered.

He punched Dirk Kuyt in a game with Liverpool in September 2006.

Sam Allardyce obviously believes that the player has overstayed his welcome at St James' Park and sees him as a disruptive face around the training ground, and it was the manager who wanted him releseased.