Nolberto Solano says he was very proud to hear his name chanted at the unveiling of Michael Owen at St. James' Park earlier this week.

Thousands of fans chanted the Peruvian winger's name when Owen was paraded in front of the fans and it wasn't long before they got their wish of seeing the player back in the black and white of Newcastle.

Solano said: "I was watching the Michael Owen signing and heard what the fans were singing about me. That was a very special moment for me but they must understand that I love them too."

Attempts by Liverpool to sign the player failed because there was only one place Solano was going to go once Newcastle went in for him.

"I'd already given the Newcastle people my word. I was never going to turn down the chance to go back there, even for a great club like Liverpool," added Solano.

"Newcastle is the club I have always loved. It has a place in my heart and it's a great feeling to be back. It's as if I was never away."