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Shearer issues Newcastle ultimatum
July 15, 2004 15:57 IST
Former England captain Alan Shearer has told Newcastle United that unless he is a regular in the team in his last premier league season he could look for another club.
"If the manager said I wasn't going to be a regular I'd have to consider things," Shearer was quoted as saying in newspapers on Thursday.
"I don't want my last season to be an anticlimax," added the 33-year-old striker, who plans to retire at the end of the season.
"I want to play as much football as I can in my last season.
"Everyone knows my love for Newcastle and the only time I'd consider leaving would be if the manager told me before the season that I wasn't going to be a regular.
"I've heard about offers from other clubs... and it's flattering. Obviously I'm doing something right," Shearer said in Thailand where he is on tour with Newcastle.
"I was pleased with passing 20 goals again last season and I hope to do the same, if not better, this year. My aim is to finish on a high," he said.
Shearer scored 28 goals last season but his position as Newcastle's central striker could be under threat from two possible signings by manager Bobby Robson.
England's James Beattie could join the club from Southampton and Dutch international Patrick Kluivert has also stated that his first choice destination would be Newcastle after being released by Barcelona.