A group of Newcastle United fans have been discussing a recent tweet from former striker Demba Ba. The 35-year-old, who currently plays his football for Turkish club Basaksehir, retweeted footage of a hat-trick he scored against Blackburn Rovers eight seasons ago (via @NUFC).
Ba signed for the Magpies back in July 2011 on a free transfer and later went on to play for Chelsea (via Transfermarkt.co.uk), with whom he won the UEFA Europa League.
During his time at St. James’ Park, the Senegalese striker played 58 times for the Toon, scoring 29 goals and providing seven assists (via Transfermarkt.co.uk).
Here is what a sample of the Newcastle faithful have had to say in response to the post.
We miss you Demba x
— Dell ? (@agbnufc) May 25, 2020
Demba Ba , just another player poorly treated by Mike Ashley
And what a player you were for us #NUFC
— gary (@gary102kk30) May 25, 2020
Reckon you’d still get a game
— Kevin Hegarty (@geordiekev) May 25, 2020
Oh Demba, why did you leave us? You were idolised at St James’ Park
— Martin Frogley ? (@mfrogs7) May 25, 2020
To this very day im fuming with you for leaving ? hbd tho
— Andrew (@Chadwick_10) May 25, 2020
Was Demba Ba the club's best striker since Shearer?
Yes
No
Best striker i’ve seen at Newcastle since Shearer retired. Quality ??
— Liam Batey (@Banch1983) May 25, 2020
Great player for us.
— Geordie Pet (@Paul25344530) May 25, 2020
What do we think?
It’s clear from the above responses that these Newcastle United supporters adored the forward during his time in the North East, with one claiming he is the best striker the club have had since Alan Shearer retired. In January 2013, he was sold to Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth £7.65m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk), though it seems some fans are regretting letting the striker go to Stamford Bridge.