At 28-years-old Davide Santon is now approaching the peak years of his career.
It's now four seasons since the Italian defender left Tyneside after admitting he felt like he was forced out of the club during John Carver's stint as boss. But he still carries a torch for Newcastle United and is a regular visitor to the city, saying he could even retire when his football days are over.
Since leaving United to return to Italy, Santon has endured some highs and lows after injury issues at Inter Milan, not to mention the disgraceful behaviour of fans during Inter's 2-1 defeat to Juventus last year when the left-back was subjected to threats when some supporters blamed him for mistakes which led to a defeat at the San Siro.
It proved to be the beginning of the end for Santon as he eventually left the club last summer to join AS Roma as part of a big money swap deal for Radja Nainggolan.
But life in Rome offers a great challenge for Santon - and he has now hooked up with a former Premier League winner in Claudio Ranieri, who is quickly back in football after a short stint at Fulham.
The Serie A full-back hopes to see United progress this season and knows they will be in safe hands with his former boss.
He told the Chronicle from Rome: "I still follow and support Newcastle United as it’s a team close to my heart.
"I worked with Rafa Benitez in Inter Milan when I was younger, he is a great guy. And I think will do very well managing Newcastle through to this next phase.
"I wish them all the best."
Santon was a real fan favourite at United and helped the club get into the Europa League back in 2012.
He said: "Newcastle was one of the best experiences of my career, I loved the city, the fans and the club.
"My girlfriend is from there and so I still visit regularly too.
"The 2011/12 campaign is very memorable for me, we were a very strong team with a lot of great players.
"We were so close to the fourth position and the Champions League in the Premier League and managed to get to Europa League!"
Santon arrived at Newcastle are being recommended to the club by José Mourinho who told Alan Pardew to give him his chance in the top-flight.
The defender reflected: "I owe Mourinho everything because he was the manager who put me on the pitch at 17-years-old and believed in me.
"I am where I am now thanks to him.
"He is a very motivating and supportive manager."
Santon has made 19 appearances for Roma this season and hopes to play a part in their bid to play in either the Champions League or Europa League next season.
With a smile, Santon said: "I’m enjoying playing for my new team AS Roma, the fans are very passionate and always create a great atmosphere.
"Life in Rome?
"Well the weather is a little better than Newcastle that’s for sure!
"My family have settled very well here and we are happy."
Ranieri came in to take over at Roma after Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked.
Santon though is excited about the new challenge ahead of him: "You face a new challenge in every training session and in every game.
"You never stop learning. It’s a few weeks I have known Ranieri and things are going well.
"He has great experience - winning the title with Leicester for one!
"So I’m looking forward to following his lead and hopefully finishing with a Champions League position this year!"
