A former Newcastle striker Loic Remy has announced his retirement from football nine years on from his St James’ Park exit
A former Newcastle United and France player has declared his retirement from the game at the age of 36. Loic Remy joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2013 and has gone on to become one of the club’s most successful loan acquisitions in recent years.
The striker began his career at Lyon before establishing himself in Ligue 1 with successful stints at Nice and Marseille, where he won two French League Cups. Remy has exceptional speed and an eye for goal, which piqued the interest of Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew, who had created a reputation for signing French talent during his tenure at the club.
In January 2013, Newcastle appeared to be in pole position to acquire Remy as they tried to avoid relegation to the Championship, but the Frenchman ultimately chose to join big-spending QPR, who offered him more money, according to sources at the time.
Remy moved to Tyneside on loan six months later as QPR adjusted to life in English football’s second tier. Remy was the lone signing of the summer as ex-Magpies boss Joe Kinnear served as the club’s director of football, but he was an instant hit on Tyneside and was an important part of the team that season.
Remy scored 14 Premier League goals in 26 Premier League games with Newcastle. Fans remember him fondly for match-winning goals against Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa while his club finished 10th in the league.
It was one of only three occasions when Newcastle finished in the top half during Mike Ashley’s ownership. Talks of a permanent move for Remy dominated the next transfer window, but the player eventually completed a move to Chelsea on deadline day and helped the team win the Premier League and League Cup in his debut season.
Remy spent two years as a back-up striker at Stamford Bridge before being farmed out to Crystal Palace. The striker departed English football in 2017 to join Las Palmas after spending the previous six years with Getafe, Lille, Caykur Rizespor, Adana Demirspor, and Brest.
Injuries plagued the 36-year-old’s career in his later years. Nonetheless, he has an excellent record of 140 goals in 407 competitive matches and seven goals in 30 international outings for France.
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