There was once a time when Patrick Kluivert was one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.
Having risen through the ranks at Ajax under the management of Louis van Gaal, Kluivert went on to spend a season in Italy with AC Milan, before he transferred to Barcelona for £8.75m in the summer of 1998.
While he only won the La Liga title on one occasion during his stint at the Camp Nou, he still scored a highly respectable 120 goals in 255 appearances.
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However, having struggled for form and fitness, the centre-forward was informed in the summer of 2004 that he was free to find himself another club, despite the fact that he still had 12 months left to run on his deal in Catalonia.
A host of teams were linked with the frontman's services, but it was 11 years ago today that Newcastle United won the race for the 28-year-old's signature.
Speaking at his unveiling, Kluivert admitted that he was eager to play alongside Newcastle legend Alan Shearer in attack.
"It feels really good - it's a dream come true. I always wanted to come to a top club in England and today is the day," he said.
"If you are a striker it gives you a good feeling if you can play alongside Alan Shearer. He's a striker with a lot of experience and you can learn very many things from him."
Talking of Shearer, Magpies manager Sir Bobby Robson went as far as comparing Kluivert's arrival on Tyneside to his homecoming back in 1996.
"He is one of the most significant signings in Newcastle in many years. It is like the feeling when Alan Shearer came home," added the veteran boss.
"I have known Patrick for many years. He has immense experience and is an international player of high repute. If he reaches anything like his potential he will be very popular here. I think it is a great move for him and he has his best years ahead of him."
Robson was sacked soon after the start of the season, with his replacement Graeme Souness seemingly not Kluivert's biggest fan.
He still contributed 13 goals in all competitions during the 2004-05 campaign, but he was sold to Valencia after just one campaign in the Premier League.
Liam Apicella
