EXCLUSIVE: Solano Reflects on Shearer, Robson, and the Influential Figures Who Shaped His Newcastle Journey

During his spell at Newcastle United, the Peruvian sensation Nolberto Solano experienced playing alongside some towering football figures and created many unforgettable memories.

‘Newcastle has a rich history’

“Newcastle has always been a massive club, although they have faced challenges in winning trophies. I vividly recall my first year when we reached the FA Cup final against Manchester United. The entire city was eager for a victory. The atmosphere was electric—people treated it like a World Cup final. To them, lifting that trophy felt akin to Peru winning the World Cup.”

“I feel fortunate to maintain a strong bond with the club. They treat former players magnificently, almost as if we are ambassadors. Whenever I find myself in England, I represent the club with immense pride.”

“In Newcastle, football is the lifeblood of the city. You rarely see jerseys from other teams; it’s ingrained in you from birth to be a Newcastle supporter. That unwavering loyalty from the fans, even amid dry spells without titles, is what I cherish most.”

“I often stop by to see the kitmen who have been around since my playing days. As I stroll through the city, people recognise me as if I had retired just recently. The warmth I receive is overwhelming.”

“I’m truly delighted for both the club and the city. I hope they secure a return to the Champions League; it’s a fiercely competitive arena filled with elite clubs. Newcastle is now part of that elite group, alongside the likes of Dortmund and Atletico.”

“Perhaps one day they will clinch the league title—that would be an enormous milestone, especially with the new Saudi ownership. However, it’s all a process; no amount of money guarantees silverware.”

‘Tino Asprilla was cherished by the supporters’

“Tino was a luminary—he was adored by the fans. Though his tenure was brief, lasting only a year and a half, I stayed for eight or nine years.”

“It’s reminiscent of my time at Boca, where I left just before they began their dominating run under Bianchi. Tino will forever be remembered for those three stunning goals against Barcelona; that’s what solidified his legacy.”

“In those days, football was more straightforward. The classic number nine would flick the ball on, allowing Tino to exploit second balls with his finesse and long strides.”

“I can’t say if he was particularly fast, but his technique was exceptional. He performed well, yet his ambitions were set on moving to Parma.”

“Newcastle is a compact city of around 250,000 inhabitants. During the winter months, it gets dark as early as 3:00 pm. It’s undeniably a football-centric city, though it’s not for everyone. Personally, I loved it. Tino? I doubt he embraced it as much as I did, even if he did enjoy the nightlife.”

“In cities like Newcastle, Liverpool, and Manchester, where entertainment options may be limited, football becomes everything, creating a powerful identity.

“In London, the scenario is different—there are more distractions. Despite having Sunderland as our local rivals, the entire city is devoted to the club. Pubs are brimming on weekends; football and pints are woven into the local fabric.”

‘Alan Shearer epitomised dedication’

“(Alan Shearer is) a remarkable individual. He took a liking to me due to my numerous assists. A true number nine—not the quickest, but possessing an extraordinary shot and exceptional heading skill.

“His commitment to training was admirable: mastering crosses, penalties, and free-kicks. He was very self-demanding. During my time, centre-backs could be brutal, but he would respond with pure technique.

“Shearer is the kind of forward you seldom see nowadays. Today’s game is more fluid with false nines and wingers cutting in; even traditional number tens are scarce. The game has evolved. Yet, players like Shearer, Ferguson, and others from his era were the real predators in the box.

“Alan was fiercely competitive. When new forwards joined, he established his authority as captain. Take (Craig) Bellamy for instance; there was some friction because Bellamy was speedy and occasionally reluctant to pass. Alan would always remind him: ‘I’m in charge here.’

“Nonetheless, I enjoyed a solid rapport with everyone. We remained great mates.”

‘Sir Bobby Robson was both strict and nurturing’

“A tremendous manager, although we acquired him later in his career. Kenny Dalglish was the one who signed me, but he was dismissed shortly after. Then Ruud Gullit stepped in—a young, inexperienced coach who faced challenges managing a squad filled with veterans, ultimately being sacked after benching Shearer in a derby match.”

“Bobby Robson’s arrival was a turning point. He understood the club’s culture and from day one, he brought structure. He had a grandfatherly presence—strict yet fair. ‘We eat at 12 when I sit down, not a second before.’ This built cohesion within the team. On his debut, we famously thrashed Sheffield Wednesday 8-1. Under his guidance, we qualified for the Champions League multiple times.”

“Unfortunately, I eventually fell out of favour, leading to my transfer to Aston Villa due to lack of playtime. We had a respectful discussion about it. He expressed his affection for me but acknowledged I needed minutes on the pitch. I will always hold him in high regard; he was wise, experienced, and rejuvenated our push for European competition.”

The unsung leaders: Given and Speed

“I still enjoy a fantastic relationship with Shay Given—he’s now in broadcasting. On the field, he was an outstanding goalkeeper, especially with our somewhat shaky defence” (chuckles).

“(Gary Speed) was an exceptional leader. My English wasn’t excellent at the time, and he was the only one who genuinely attempted to communicate with me. Always encouraging, always inspiring. His passing was a tremendous loss; it caught everyone by surprise.”

Howe, Isak, and Newcastle’s bright future

Solano continues to monitor the club’s progress and has praise for manager Eddie Howe: “He’s young and incredibly humble. I had the pleasure of meeting him, and he came across as a genuinely great person.”

“He has accomplished things that no one anticipated would happen so swiftly—qualifying for the Champions League and clinching the Carabao Cup. He’s become a local hero.”

And what about star forward Alexander Isak? “First and foremost, they need to renew his contract. It’s a challenge when clubs like Real Madrid show interest. If Newcastle aims to continue growing, retaining players like him is crucial.”

“If they let him go, finding a replacement of his calibre will be incredibly tough.”