I'VE JUST FOUND THIS ON OUR (BBC) ON-LINE SITE

Former Belgian international defender Philippe Albert has retired from competitive football after failing to recover from a knee injury

. Albert injured his right knee in a training accident in February and was only given a 50 per cent chance at the time of making a comeback.

"Today, the knee says stop. The cartilage is completely destroyed and I don't want to take the slightest risk," he said.

Albert made the decision after undergoing his seventh operation on the same knee.

The classy defender was a favourite at Newcastle United during the exciting reign of Kevin Keegan in the late 1990s, but returned to play for Charleroi after five seasons in England.

He won the Belgian championship with Anderlecht, was named Belgium's player of the year and won 41 international caps.

AND JUST TO REMIND UP OF THOSE HEADY DAYS

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

Answers

Just to get it onto the answers page!

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

I miss him in the Strawbeery these days.

Thanks for the memories Phillipe - number 5. Oh - it always holds a special memory for me!

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

Did you hear a wonderful Radio 5 interview with him during Euro 2000. He owns a bar and Adrian Childs (?) went to visit him, having asked everyone he knew who supported Newcastle what they remembered of him.

Obviously there was the goal. But he asked him about calling their goalie Schmekel whenever he was asked about him in the post match interview. He agreed he'd thought it about it before hand and it was a nice way of saying he didn't really know who the guy was.

He then mentioned is 'fight' with Juninho, when Albert had his hand on the dwarf's head while he swung and tried to reach him. Albert gave a hum-hum yeah, and then said 'it was the fear of him that made me leave the UK'. Reporter splutters.

The reporter than asks him if he knew who Rupert the Bear was before he came to Newcastle. (Back in the studio the guy took some stick for asking a footballer such a daft question).

All nice, warm hearted stuff, but then he made me cry. He said he was so proud of his career. He'd played for, and captained his country and no man could be prouder than he was of that, but the greatest thrill had been playing for Kevin Keegan and the fans at Newcastle. Aw.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

Really class act - still missed.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

I've got an Mpeg of 'the' goal if you want it - drop me an email and when I've a few I'll send it.

Remember tomorrow is Oct 20th.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

The Prince. Absolute class as a player and as a man. Loves the Toon and loved playing for us. Was still a visitor to The Strawberry after he had left SJP. I hope we see him there again.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

Love ya Phillipe, Hope you enjoy your retirement as much as we enjoyed watching you play.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2000

All the best Phillipe, you're welcome in the Strawberry any time.

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2000