Former Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has spoken of his ambition to return to St James' Park as a spectator, having never watched a match there since his departure in 2013. The 41-year-old, now sporting director of French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, described the prospect as a 'dream' in an interview with So Foot, as reported by SportWitness.
A Popular Figure on Tyneside
Ba, who spent 18 months at Newcastle between 2011 and 2013, scored 29 goals in 58 appearances and became a firm favourite among supporters. The former Senegal international left for Chelsea in January 2013 and later played for Besiktas, Shanghai Shenhua, Goztepe, Istanbul Basaksehir and Lugano before retiring in the summer of 2021.
He is currently focused on the development of Le Havre, but admitted the wish to see a Newcastle game at St James' Park has remained unfulfilled since the club's takeover in 2021.
Future Plans Beyond Le Havre
"It's difficult," Ba said. "When I watch a match, I always tell myself I want to learn something. I always need logic and coherence when discussing football.
"That said, when the Le Havre project eventually comes to an end, I might well do nothing for a while. Step away from the micromanagement to simply focus on my academy in Senegal and travel.
"I have a desire to meet more people, exchange ideas, and watch matches just for the pleasure of it. For instance, I've never been able to go see a game at St James' Park since leaving Newcastle, even though it's something I dream of doing. One day, I hope to."
