Emre pleased with reaction
09 Mar 2007 - 14:25:02
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- Emre pleased with reaction
Newcastle United midfielder Emre has paid tribute to the Magpies fans for the welcome he received before Thursday's UEFA Cup victory over AZ Alkmaar at St James' Park.
The Turkey international is at the centre of a storm involving several Premiership opponents and will answer a Football Association charge of using racially-aggravated words and/or behaviour at a personal hearing later in the month.
But the troubled midfielder was given a warm reception when he came on to replace Damien Duff with 15 minutes remaining in the 4-2 last 16 first leg victory over the Dutch side.
"I am very happy because I have not played for the past two months, and I have to thank everybody - Glenn (Roeder), the supporters, my team-mates and my family - for their support," said the former Internazionale player.
"When I signed for Newcastle, I knew how good the supporters were, and they gave me strength when I came on the pitch because I knew they were behind me.
"It is hard coming back after being out for two months, and now I need to keep working hard on my fitness.
"But I am just very happy to be back playing."