'Come and say hello': Troy Deeney clarifies Newcastle comments with offer to fans ahead of awkward meeting
Troy Deeney loves Newcastle, regardless of what is said about him.
The talkSPORT presenter saw his popularity on Tyneside go down the toilet when he claimed Newcastle was not as desirable a place to live as London.
The former Premier League striker was discussing the challenges the Magpies would face in competing for the top four and said overseas players could be more tempted to move to the capital than to the north-east of England.
Deeney's comments were made during an appearance on CBS Sports Golazo for coverage of Newcastle's Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.
Shortly after the comments were made, Deeney and co-host Geoff Shreeves went to speak to some fans to preview the match and one Newcastle supporter made her feelings very clear.
“He was absolutely attacked by a Newcastle UnitedEdit fan,” Shreeves explained to viewers.
““This lady was very offended by something he said on CBS about Newcastle not being a good place to live.”
But in telling the story of what really happened, Deeney insists his comments were taken out of context.
“Apparently there was a video of someone arguing with me, but it wasn't an argument.
“The lady decided to let me know her feelings about what I said about Newcastle, but even that was taken out of context.
“The question I was asked was 'if Newcastle want to be in the top four consistently, what are the difficulties?' My argument was that they have to deal with the fact that people want to live in London, especially foreign players who when they come, think of London.
“Then you have the Spurs, ChelseaArsenal who will be able to attract those players more than Newcastle.
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“It's less desirable, that's what I said, but a Wally wrote that I had said Newcastle were an idiot, so if you're going to do that and take my words out of context, then fuck it, I'll play the game.
“It's not shit, it's a nice place. I was there on a night out. Floritas is an incredible mistake, followed by Tup Tup. I have been there many times and it is a good place.
“I love St James' Park but (the fan) decided for her to say which is fine because you can't have an opinion like mine and then be offended when someone else has one.
“She was fucking around and fucking around and if you watch the video I'm just laughing but remember there are TV cameras here so we won't put you on TV if you're saying bad words.”
However, there will definitely not be any feeling of discomfort and you are looking forward to returning to the area soon.
“It is what it is. I have no problems with anyone from Newcastle and in fact I will be there for the second leg. I'm sure some people will have their say, so come say hello, I'll be there. I'm not going to run away.”
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To show there were no hard feelings on Deeney's part, he closed his interview by blowing a kiss to the Newcastle fans.
Newcastle finished fourth in the 2022/23 Premier League season, leading to a memorable Champions League campaign the following year.
Although they finished seventh in the table last season, Eddie HoweThe team currently sits just one point off the top four this season and the prospect of the Champions League is once again firmly on the radar.
Among that team are world-renowned names including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak, and Howe said he had “never experienced anyone not wanting to come here because of the area”.
Newcastle will host Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on February 5 in a match that could bring fireworks to the pitch.
Following Deeney's comments, his trip to St James' Park could also spark fireworks.
Never change, Troy.
