Philippe Albert
Philippe Julien Albert ( born August 10, 1967 in Bouillon, Luxembourg Province ) is a former Belgian football player at the position of a defender.
Career
Born in 1967, Philippe Albert began his career in 1987 at SC Charleroi, in which he played until 1989. In 1987 he gave his debut in the Belgian national team. From 1989 he was at KV Mechelen under contract. 1992, the same year in which he moved to RSC Anderlecht, he won the Belgian Golden Shoe. With Anderlecht twice he was Belgian Champion and one Cup Winners' Cup.
In 1994 he joined with the Belgian national team at the World Cup in the United States. There, Albert showed a later described as "impressive" performance. After the World Cup, he spent £ 2.6 million to the English first division club Newcastle United.
Alberts five years ending time at the Tynes was overshadowed by injuries, and he played only 96 games. Nevertheless, he is still regarded as one of the most popular foreign players of the club. As his greatest moment is considered a goal he against Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel from 40 yards away ( just over 36 ½ feet ) achieved in 1996. With Albert Newcastle won the 1995/96 and 1996/ 97, the runner-up.
After Ruud Gullit became in 1998 the new coach of the team, Albert was only six more times for use. Short term he was loaned to Fulham. In 1999 he left the club and moved back to Belgium to Sporting Charleroi.
Achievements
- Belgian champion: 1993, 1994
- Belgian Cup winner: 1994