It was a gesture of pure class that started long before the emotional full-time scenes we all witnessed in front of the St Mary’s away end at 5pm on Saturday afternoon. Miguel Almiron had emerged from the sidelines in the 88th-minute of Newcastle United’s 3-1 win over Southampton and the chorus of chants instantly began from the 3,000-strong travelling collective.
“Miggy Almiron, Almiron. Miggy Almiron!” to the tune of KC and The Sunshine Band’s ‘Give It Up’ has been heard countless times over the last six years – but this one felt vastly different. The song was repeated and repeated and continued long after the final whistle – because fans knew this may well be the last chance they get to sing this particular number.
This was a clear message to Atlanta United-bound Almiron. After periods of pretty vitriolic criticism from the outside over the years, this was a show of appreciation to a player who has always given his all to this football club.
Almiron remains a Newcastle player for the time being as his former MLS employers finalise terms to bring him back to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the coming days. Eddie Howe, who pushed the winger towards the away end during those full-time chants, insists it was not an official ‘goodbye’ – just a gesture that felt necessary in case this does prove to be Almiron’s last dance as a black and white player.
“It wasn’t planned. It was just the crowd were very much embracing him and giving him a lot of love,” Howe told reporters after the game. “Miggy’s not that kind of character that’s got a huge ego that absorbs all the attention, but I just felt it was imperative that we got him to the front and everyone acknowledged he’s been unbelievable for us.
“His attitude, his commitment, the way he’s played. I’m not saying it’s a goodbye, we don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just thought it was a great moment for him.”
Almiron hasn’t always had it easy on Tyneside. Yes, he has frustrated at times, he has endured barren patches, he has failed to replicate the immense purple patch of the 2022/23 season. However, he has often been on the end of some pretty personal abuse from sections of the fanbase over the years.
Yet one thing you could guarantee from the Paraguayan was heart and desire. Yes, Newcastle needed more sometimes but you can’t accuse Almiron of ever hiding away or failing to put a shift in.
This is why Howe respects and trusts the wide man so much. While others have consistently called for him to be ousted, the Newcastle boss has stood behind Almiron at every turn, backing him repeatedly in public.
The aforementioned purple patch was undeniably instrumental to Newcastle reaching the Champions League two seasons ago. Almiron will also remain in the history books thanks to scoring the club’s first goal upon their European return, netting the opener in that famous St James’ Park victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
That particular accomplishment is just one of the reasons Saturday’s outpouring of love felt fitting for the 30-year-old. After a whopping 223 games for Newcastle, Almiron deserves to leave with nothing but the best wishes of those he has attempted to provide for since 2019.
Whether this weekend proves to be his last showing as a Newcastle player remains to be seen – but the gestures seen from the passionate away following were brilliant to see.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/special-miguel-almiron-moment-spotted-30865213
