Alessandro Pistone has revealed that he failed to succeed at Newcastle United because of his refusal to drink alcohol and failure to adapt to English weather patterns.
Pistone joined the Magpies as a highly rated 22 year old in 1997 and big things were expected from him.
He however failed to deliver impressive performances and the Tyneside club eventually decided to offload him in only his second season at the club.
After Ruud Gullit replaced Kenny Dalglish as manager of the club, Pistone was deemed surplus to requirements and was made to train with the clubs reserve side and not given a squad number.
During an interview with Planet Football, he said: “Living there was not easy for me. It was cold, rainy and windy most of the time.
“I didn’t speak English and I drunk, and still drink, only water, so even the pubs were not the best places for me.
“It was OK, but I never felt part of the group. Weather apart, it was beautiful. Newcastle is a very nice city, with clubs, pubs and restaurants. It’s a university’s city so the lifestyle was good for a 22-year-old guy.”
