Toon legend Nobby Solano has taken his first ever journey on the Tyne and Wear Metro.
The popular Peruvian travelled on the Metro to Newcastle United’s home against Arsenal on Saturday 2 November, as part of planned filming with a broadcaster.
Nobby, a winger who played for United across two different spells, travelled from South Gosforth Metro station into the city centre, to the surprise and delight of his fellow travellers.
He alighted at Monument to change platforms for the short Metro ride up to St James’ Park.
On the way he took time out to greet fans on the Metro who were also making their way into Newcastle for the lunchtime kick off against the Gunners – a game United went on to win 1-0.
It was Nobby’s first ever trip on the Metro – and the first time he’d had a chance to have a closer look at the NUFC branding at St James Metro station.
Lynne Dickinson, Station Delivery Manager at Nexus, said: “We were delighted to welcome Nobby on to the Tyne and Wear Metro.
“It was a nice surprise for our customers and our own teams on duty ahead of the home game against Arsenal. I’m pleased to say that he enjoyed his journey. He was there with a film crew for a broadcast piece which is going out in the New Year.
“Thanks go to all of our teams who worked hard to make the filming such a success on a busy match day, and thanks to Nobby for being a good sport for taking time to chat with customers on the way to the game. He’s such a popular figure with the fans.”
Nobby Solano played for Newcastle United in two stints between 1998 and 2004, and then 2005 to 2007. He made a total of 230 appearances for the club.