ANTOINE Sibierski says that he will be a Newcastle United fan "forever" as he prepares to return to St.James' Park with new club Wigan Athletic.

The 32-year-old became something of a terrace favourite among the Gallowgate crowd as he fired eight goals for the Magpies last season.

Few had expected Sibierski to become so popular on Tyneside after his deadline day switch from Man City exactly one year ago.

But the Toon Army quickly warmed to the amiable Frenchman, a feeling reciprocated by Sibierski as he spoke of his love for Newcastle United and its supporters ahead of Saturday's game.

"I had a great relationship with the Newcastle fans and I will be a Newcastle United fan forever," said the forward who has already bagged three times for the Latics this season.

"If I score on Saturday I will be happy but I will not celebrate.

"I have seen the changes at Newcastle and I think they will win a trophy in the near future.

"I will be the first one to be happy if they do because they are a great club and the fans deserve more than they have got in the last few years."

And Sibierski revealed that he was ready to finish his playing career at United until the terms of a contract he had agreed with Glenn Roeder suddenly changed.

"We agreed a new contract but that changed when Glenn Roeder was sacked," he added.

"I was disappointed because I saw my future with Newcastle United and I wanted to finish my career there.

"But I can't think about that anymore because I'm enjoying my football with Wigan."

Can YOU help the Magpies make it five games unbeaten at the start of the season when Wigan come to St.James' Park on Saturday?

Once again, if you are inside the stadium before 2pm, you will receive a FREE pint, hot drink or soft drink on behalf of the club ...

Tickets for Saturday's game are on sale NOW from the SJP Box Office (0191 261 1571) and online from nufc.co.uk ... Click below to get your seat today and get behind the lads for what promises to be another electric atmosphere inside St.James' Park ...