Woodgate: 'Why I Turned Down Newcastle'!

Last updated : 29 March 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Woodgate: 'I spent 18 months there and played some of the best football of my career. That is what got me the move to Madrid.

'Everyone says the fans are unbelievable but it is true, they really are. They just love the club and would do anything for it.

'I spoke to Newcastle but, at the time, it wasn't for me.

'But when I spoke to Middlesbrough, I made my mind up, they were brilliant. Middlesbrough really didn't talk about injuries, whereas Newcastle did.

'It is the last thing you want to hear when you're thinking about signing for a club.

'I just wanted a totally new challenge.  If I had signed for Newcastle, I would have just been in the same surroundings. I didn't want to get stale.

'I am 28 now. Newcastle are going to be a good side in a few years but things can move faster at Spurs. I know I have made the right decision.

'Ramos's preparation is brilliant.

'He wants you to attack. He wants us to score as many goals as we can. When we played Slavia Prague away, it was drummed into us that we had to win 3-0.

"Win this 3-0 or 4-0. If you don't, it is not a good result" and I'm thinking: "Oh my god, this geezer doesn't mess about".'

'I'd be nervous if I wasn't playing well. Because this manager will make decisions.'