Newcastle Transfers: Shola Ameobi Finally Finds His Level

After spending an eventful - but not always successful - near 20 years as a Newcastle United player at various levels, Shola Ameobi left the club this summer, and has turned up at a new club. But he's not in the MLS as was previously suggested as a possible destination, or at a Championship club - he's signed for a second division Turkish side with grand aspirations to break into the big time. The striker - who was and always shall be known as The Mackem Slayer thanks to his uncanny ability to ignore his skill level and score against Sunderland - has signed a one year deal with heavy-weights Gaziantep Buyuksehir Belediyespor. There had been some concerns that Newcastle might unthinkably give him another contract as it was revealed that he was training with the club. Thankfully, that is not the case. The Turkish side released a brief statement welcoming the signing, which if you put it through Google Translate comes out something like this...

"We walked a very long time to transfer work, world-renowned, Nigeria's national team and FC Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi's signature we stopped at. Gaziantep sports lovers and for our city such an honor and we are proud to sail player. Whether our countrymen auspicious auspicious." Fatma Sahin, Gaziantep Metropolitan, Municipality Mayor, Honorary President

Frankly a load of gobbledee-gook, especially the bit about Shola being "world-renowned". A further, presumably better translated statement also appeared from the club's official website:

"We want to establish an ambitious team in the league this season, and a strong team continues to strengthen by adding players. "We have therefore tied Nigerian striker Shola Ameobi - from one of the strongest teams in England, Newcastle United - to us for one year."

Having ended his career in Newcastle at the end of the season - after some fruitless cameo appearances for the Magpies last season - Shola now departs for pastures new, where his slow, lolloping style might be appreciated more, particularly if he scores a few goals. Meanwhile, confused Newcastle fans will no doubt take to Twitter to congratulate R&B singer Shola Ama on her move to Turkey... https://twitter.com/SholaAma/status/414739537102118912 Are you happy Shola is no longer playing football in the same country as you? Share your thoughts below in the comments.