Captain Colo Answers Your Questions
New captain Fabricio Coloccini has taken time out of his busy schedule on the Magpies' pre-season tour of America to answer fans' questions exclusively for nufc.co.uk.
United supporters have been emailing their questions in all week, and the Argentine international defender has done his best to answer as many as possible on a range of subjects including new teammates, dream signings and his famous hairstyle!
If you were the team manager who would be your next signing?
From Callum McPherson
FC: Lionel Messi, my fellow Argentinean! But I reckon our budget doesn't quite stretch to getting him onboard. He is absolutely class though and a pleasure to watch.
What is your lifelong footballing dream? And how much closer have to you come to fulfilling that by becoming Newcastle United captain?
From Jake Potter
FC: To be part of the team that wins the World Cup, but after that it is to lift a trophy for Newcastle United. And yes, being captain of this club makes me immensely proud.
If you could pick any player you have ever played with to be a teammate at Newcastle United, who would it be and why?
From Adam Smith
FC: Aside from Messi, who I've already mentioned, there were three or four lads at AC Milan who were absolutely top quality.
Players like Clarence Seedorf, Filippo Inzaghi, Leonardo and Paolo Maldini - any of them!
Did you think you struggled a little bit in your first year in the Premier League and what parts of your game do you believe you have improved since?
From Matt Lewis
FC: The first year a foreign player spends in a new country is always hard but I think I did okay. But yes, I have improved as I have learnt more about the pace of the game, the way English teams play, the hustle and bustle and of course I am more settled.
When you were named as captain, what did your teammates say to you?
From Sam Archer
FC: Well done and congratulations. They were all very happy for me and that's something I really appreciated.
You won Olympic gold yourself, are you looking forward to games being played in Newcastle in 2012?
From Tom Weald
FC: Winning Gold in Athens was a fabulous experience and I think it's terrific that the games are coming to England and to St. James' Park in particular. The quality of football is very high and it will be great for our supporters to watch.
How does the passion for football compare in Argentina and England?
From Sarah Johnston
FC: I have to say it is very similar. The noise, the passion, the love for your team in Boca is like Newcastle - and that's exactly how I like it to be.
Who was your football hero when you were growing up, and which player in the world do you admire most now?
From Helen Long
FC: Well Diego Maradona was everyone's hero, as was Daniel Passarella who captained the 1978 World Cup team even though I wasn't born then. Players like Oscar Ruggeri and Nestor Lorenzo who played in the 90s and were defenders like me were players I admired. Now it's probably Jonas Gutierrez!
Do you see the increased responsibility of being captain as a way back into the Argentina national team? Or are you just focussed on being the best captain you can for Newcastle United at the moment?
From Martin Carrick
FC: I hope to get back in the team but of course that is up to the coach. As you say my focus is entirely on Newcastle United and if anything happens after that, it is a bonus.
I think you had such a great season last year. What was your personal highlight from last season?
From Carly Dawson
FC: I enjoyed the two goals I scored, I loved the derby games, the second half of the Arsenal game but most of all I guess it was playing consistently week in, week out.
What is the one thing about Newcastle United that makes you want to play every game, the one thing that keeps you happy in the North-East?
From Hunter Bell
FC: I love the club, the fans, the stadium, the Premier League. It's not just one thing, it's the whole mix of things added up.
Having recently lost some of our English players and instead bringing in foreign players, do you think this will have any influence on the fantastic spirit the team has had for the last two seasons?
From Michael Soogaard
FC: Yes the team spirit was great over the last two years but in my view it still is and that's something we need to keep as we move towards the start of the season. We have a lot of very good people, good characters at the club and that is important.
In the past, squads with a large international contingent have naturally segregated into national or same-language groups. As captain, how do you plan to keep the squad whole rather than lots of smaller groups? i.e.: Spanish, French, English etc…
From Steve Harris
FC: The new lads have settled in very well and mix well with everyone. Of course I'm close to Jonas (Gutierrez) and Jose (Enrique), while Hatem (Ben Arfa) may speak to Yohan (Cabaye) or Demba (Ba) more - that's natural.
But as a whole we all mix very well and get along great - and as captain that delights me.
Who has been the toughest forward you have faced during your time in English football, and why?
From Andy Lowe
FC: There are a few. (Didier) Drogba, because of his strength and ability to shoot from anywhere, (Wayne) Rooney, because he is so clever and often drifts deep so you can't pick him up, and I also found Daniel Sturridge a handful too. He has quick feet and was sharp and unpredictable.
Is it nice when the supporters sing a song about you and has this happened at any of your other clubs?
From Richard Bateman
FC: It's great, I think it shows they like me. It's the first time it's happened to me and I must say it make be smile and feel warm inside.
I'm fascinated by your hair and think it's great, how do you look after it and how long does it take?
From Rebecca Harding
FC: It's top secret, I'm sorry! It's been like that for years now and will be too - I have no plans to get it cut, it's just me.
Have you any superstitions before a game?
From Ben Traynor
FC: Not really. I know some lads do but it's something I've never done and never had the need to do.
What attributes do you think you can bring to the team as captain both on and off the pitch?
From Simon Cooper
FC: I set a good example by firstly playing as well as I can, and if I can see anyone needs help on the field then it's my job to help them the best I can.
I am professional in everything I do and expect that to rub off on everyone else.
What do you think of the handful of fans that ran onto the pitch at the Darlington match? Have they knocked the club's reputation?
From Adam Harris
FC: I wasn't there myself but obviously it was a very unfortunate situation that should never have happened. There is no excuse at all for running on to the pitch and I know the club are looking to take action against those fans who gave our club a bad name.
Are we good enough for the top ten this season?
From Hilmar Petursson
FC: Well we almost made it into the top ten last season. All I can say is that everyone will be doing their utmost to give the club the most successful season it possibly can.
http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20110723/captain-colo-answers-your-questions_2281670_2399973
