Florian Lejeune returned to Newcastle United on Saturday, and Toon captain Jamaal Lascelles has admitted it was ‘great’ to see the defender fit and playing once again.
The Frenchman was part of the Rayo Vallecano side that travelled to the North East for a friendly at St James’ Park. It certainly wasn’t a classic, with Eddie Howe’s side winning a drab affair 2-1 thanks to goals from Sean Longstaff and Chris Wood.
While it wasn’t a great game, it was a chance for Newcastle fans to become reacquainted with Lejeune. He left the club permanently in 2021, signing for Alaves after spending the previous year there on loan.
The 31-year-old never really got the chance to say goodbye, but got a fantastic reception when he came off the bench during Saturday’s friendly. He also received a handshake from Howe, who could have been Lejeune’s manager had he hung around for just a few more months.
His Toon career ended on a sour note, and now Lascelles has admitted that his former teammate was ‘unlucky’ during his time on Tyneside.
Lascelles on Lejeune
After the game, Lascelles spoke to the Chronicle and commented on Lejeune’s return to St James’ Park.
“Flo had a great spell when he was at Newcastle,” Lascelles said.
“He’s a great person and he was a bit unlucky with injuries and things like that but it’s great to see him back to his full fitness, happy and playing good football.”
Lejeune really was unlucky at Newcastle
Looking back at Lejeune’s Newcastle career, it really is a case of what might have been. Had he not suffered two horrific injuries, he could still be at St James’ Park today.
But to suffer two lengthy knee injuries was rotten luck for the defender, who really established himself alongside Lascelles under Rafa Benitez’s management. It was the Spaniard who brought him to Newcastle, paying £8.7million for him in 2017.
Steve Bruce got rid of him, however, seemingly unable to find a place for him in his side. That was disappointing for Toon fans, who were very fond of Lejeune during his Newcastle career.
The injuries and change of manager stacked up against Lejeune, whose Toon career ended on a rather sour note. So it was good for him to come back at the weekend and receive a fantastic reception from the supporters inside St James’ Park. It certainly will have meant a lot to him.
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