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Schär can't wait for St. James' bow
Written by Tom Easterby
New signing Fabian Schär can’t wait to run out at St. James’ Park for the first time as a Newcastle United player.
Swiss international Schär completed his move to the Magpies from Deportivo La Coruña on Wednesday, penning an initial three-year deal with United.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to his new club’s stadium, however – he played at St. James’ six years ago, featuring for his country in a group stage draw with Gabon at the 2012 Olympic Games.
And now his transfer from the Spanish side is complete, Schär – who fondly remembers his first outing in front of the Gallowgate – is looking forward to playing in front of the Magpies faithful for the first time.
“It was six years ago, with the national team,” he told NUFC TV. “We had a game, it was the Olympics, and we played one game here. The stadium was perfect – I loved it. Now when it’s a home stadium, it will be brilliant. I’m really looking forward to the games here.
“The fans are crazy here, I've heard. I really enjoyed playing last time, and now with your own fans it must be brilliant.”
Schär was part of the Switzerland side who reached the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.
He also boasts considerable experience in European leagues, having represented Basel in his homeland, Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga and Deportivo in Spain’s La Liga.
And Schär, who began his career at FC Wil, hopes his qualities will make him well equipped for the rigours of the Premier League.
“I am not like a typical defender who only defends, but I am quite good with the ball, with the first pass,” he said. “I like to play, I want to build up the game from the back and I think that is one strength of mine, like passing and the long pass as well. I have scored also some headers, so it could be a strength and hopefully I can use it here.
“I have spoken with the mister (Rafa Benítez) and he told me that he is expecting this from me, so I think I have nothing to change. Of course I need the experience in the Premier League – it’s different when you play here – but I will work hard to be ready and to show my strengths in the games to help the team.”
"We had a game, it was the Olympics, and we played one game here. The stadium was perfect – I loved it. Now when it’s a home stadium, it will be brilliant. I’m really looking forward to the games here."