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Fabian Schar has paid tribute to Newcastle United after making his 200th appearance on Monday night.
Signed by Rafa Benitez in 2018, the £3million release clause paid to Deportivo La Coruna has become one of Newcastle’s shrewdest moves. But the road to the 200 club at St James’ Park has not been smooth sailing for the Swiss international.
He was an initial hit under Benitez, quickly earning a reputation for his goalscoring prowess from centre-back. Predominantly played in a back three, Schar’s composed style suited a side fighting to maintain its Premier League status.
However, the defender would soon lose his way once Benitez departed the following year. Steve Bruce preferred the no-nonsense approach to Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez in the backline.
Schar - a seasoned international - was even used in midfield away at Manchester City four years ago. The 32-year-old opened up about the “difficult” period last year and how the team’s style did not suit his more European approach.
However, Schar’s fortunes changed once Eddie Howe arrived three years ago. One of the 46-year-old’s first key changes was to play Schar in his opening game against Brentford.
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Alongside Joelinton, he is one of two players from that team who are currently nailed-on starters. Schar’s crowning moment came in the dying embers of last year’s 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain - with his last-minute curler sealing the victory.
A one-year extension penned 12 months ago is set to expire at the end of the season and the centre-back’s future remains uncertain. But posting on social media after making his 200th appearance in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United, Schar hinted at plenty more to come.
“I could never have imagined playing 200 games for this incredible football club, Newcastle United!” he wrote on X. “(I am) proud to put on the black-and-white stripes every week and play in front of you all. Here’s to many more.”
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