I only signed for Tottenham because I was forced out of Newcastle

Today at 11:48 AM

Premier League icon David Ginola remembers not wanting to leave Newcastle United and only joining Tottenham because he was forced out of St James’ Park.

The Frenchman joined the Magpies from Paris Saint-Germain in 1995, joining Kevin Keegan’s famous ‘Entertainers’ squad.

While it was a memorable stint for Ginola in the North East it was only a short one as he departed after just two seasons.

The winger recalls Kenny Dalgish taking over from Keegan and quickly falling out with his new manager, who was keen to sell him.

In a new book, called The Entertainers, Ginola explained: ‘I didn't want to leave the club but when Kenny Dalglish took over from Kevin it was a shock and it just wasn't the same anymore. I argued with Kenny and he didn't play me much after that.

‘He tried to get rid of all the foreign players Kevin signed. I was frustrated at the time and I said something in the newspapers that if things don't change, I will have to leave.

‘The following day we had a row. He told me I couldn't go to the newspapers and say these things. I said, “You treat me like I'm having an affair with your wife”.

‘He said, “How dare you talk to me like that”. I said, “At least I'm talking. You never look at me or talk to me.” He wasn't the guy to take us to the top, as it was proved. He didn't make the most of the players we had.

‘Under Kevin, it was such a pleasure every day in training and every Saturday away and at St James' Park, where the atmosphere was magnificent. I miss those days. One day, those happy days will return.’

Ginola went on to have a good time with Spurs, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in 1999, with Tottenham winning the League Cup that season.

Ginola revealed back in 2021 that he narrowly missed the chance to join Arsenal before he moved to Newcastle, an opportunity he would have taken.

He told FourFourTwo: ‘I gave my word to Terry [McDermott] in the afternoon, then around midnight I got a call from David Dein at Arsenal. He asked, “Have you signed for anybody?”

‘I said, “Well… why?” and he said, “Because we want to sign you”. I said, “Actually, I gave my word to Newcastle, sorry – the deal is done”.’

‘Arsenal were one of the biggest clubs in the country, while Newcastle had just moved from the First Division to the Premier League and still had to prove they were a great side. The decision would probably have been different. But when I called my dad and said, “I'm signing for Newcastle and working with Kevin Keegan,” he was happy.’