10 Facts About Philippe Albert

Philippe Julien Albert was born on 10 August 1967 and is a Belgian former professional footballer and television pundit.

Philippe Albert played for Charleroi, KV Mechelen and Anderlecht in his native Belgium, and for English clubs Newcastle United and Fulham.

Philippe Albert started his career with Charleroi before moving to KV Mechelen where his performances won him Belgian Golden Shoe and a move to Anderlecht.

Philippe Albert later claimed he turned down moves to Italian clubs Juventus and Fiorentina the year before as he did not like the hot climate or having to play on Sundays, and moved to Newcastle as he was a fan of Keegan and the team he played for, Liverpool, in his youth.

Philippe Albert became a cult hero at Newcastle United due to his less-than-defensive tendencies in "the Entertainers'" central defence, would often make runs forward and be found roaming on the edge of the opposition box.

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Fans at Newcastle created a terrace chant for the player, singing "Phillipe, Phillipe Philippe Albert, everyone knows his name" to the words of the theme song of 1970s children's TV series The Adventures of Rupert Bear.

On leaving Newcastle in 1999, Philippe Albert returned to Belgium, rejoining Charleroi for £600,000.

Philippe Albert spent one season with the club before retiring from football.

Philippe Albert made 41 appearances for the Belgium national team, making his debut in 1987, but came to worldwide prominence at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Philippe Albert is working as a pundit for Belgian TV, and runs a successful fruit and vegetable company.