NEWCASTLE UNITED are calling on Barcelona-slayer Tino Asprilla to help shoot down the Spanish giants again.
Sun Sport can exclusively reveal that the Magpies have issued an invite to the Colombian maverick to attend Thursday’s clash.
Tino Asprilla is a cult hero among Newcastle United fans
The Colombian scored a sensational Champions League hat-trick against Barcelona in 1997
The Magpies are hoping to have Asprilla in attendance for their clash with the Catalans this week
It was 28 years ago when the forward, now 55, cemented his status as a Toon legend with an incredible hat-trick against the Catalans.
Asprilla sealed a 3-2 Champions League victory over on one of St. James’ Park’s most famous nights.
And now Newcastle are hoping he can help inspire Eddie Howe’s side to another memorable result when Hansi Flick’s star-studded squad hit Tyneside.
We have learned that the club have contacted Asprilla, who now makes a living selling sugar cane and condoms in his native Colombia, to jet in for the bumper clash.
And the former hotshot is doing all he can to make the late dash to cheer on the boys in Black and White in what will be an emotional Tyneside return.
Previously recalling his unforgettable evening, Asprilla claimed he also scored a treble off the pitch as a reward for his hat-trick.
Back in 2018, shared a video of his heroics on X, which led to one of Barcelona’s accounts replying: “Don’t @ me.”
And that led to 55-year-old Asprilla infamously issuing a response that said: “After that match, I woke up with three Real Madrid supporting girlfriends.”
Tino Asprilla has incredibly fond memories of his time on Tyneside
Asprilla, who last visited St James’ Park in January 2011, has fond memories of his time on Tyneside.
As does club legend and pundit , who said of the Colombian: “He was brilliant.
“He was brilliant for the dressing room because he was a character.
“He loved a laugh and a joke.
“And he could do no wrong in the dressing room really because he didn’t speak a lot of English.”
