Newcastle United fans have been quick to respond to an exchange between Alan Shearer and Salomon Rondon over the famous number nine shirt.
It was on this day 25 years ago that the Magpies completed a world-record deal to bring Shearer home, and the England international went on to become the most famous custodian of the number nine.
The former Blackburn Rovers and Southampton striker netted 206 strikes to surpass Jackie Milburn's record and become United's all-time leading goalscorer.
Shearer famously turned down Manchester United to return to the North East, and thousands of fans turned out to welcome the £15m signing on July 30, 1996.
The club legend shared a picture from his unveiling to mark the anniversary, writing: "Twenty five years ago today!"
It was a post which was 'liked' more than 11,000 times in a matter of hours, and one that drew a response from a more recent custodian of the number nine jersey.
Rondon endeared himself to the Toon Army during a season-long loan spell from West Brom in the 2018/19 campaign, and has made it clear since he would welcome a Tyneside return.
The Venezeuelan international posted: "What an honour to wear your number nine shirt, @alanshearer!"
Shearer replied: "Thank you SR9. It’s a great shirt. #9"
It was an exchange that inevitably caught the attention of Newcastle supporters who were quick to praise both former number nines.
One fan wrote: "Shame neither of you are there now to give us more memories."
Another supporter commented: "My favourite no.9 since big Al, criminally underrated player."
A third fan replied to Rondon: "You did it justice. Great player, wish you'd stayed longer."
A fourth supporter told the former loanee: "It bloody suited you too. Wish you never left."
