Laurent Robert

Pierre Laurent Robert (born 21 May 1975) is a former professional footballer who played as a left winger. He was known for his powerful shot, particularly from free kicks. Born in Réunion, he moved to mainland France aged 16 and began his professional career with Montpellier and Paris Saint Germain, playing and scoring in the UEFA Champions League with the latter. In 2001, he transferred to Premier League club Newcastle United for a £10 million fee, helping them qualify for several European tournaments including the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2003–04. The following season, he was fined and disciplined for publicly criticising manager Graeme Souness, leading to a loan to Portsmouth and transfer to Benfica in the Portuguese Primeira Liga in January 2006. He scored a winning free kick against O Clássico rivals Porto and played in a run to the Champions League quarter-finals, but moved on six months later to Levante in La Liga. He ended his career with brief spells at Derby County, Toronto FC and Larissa. Robert played nine games for France between 1999 and 2001, scoring one goal and winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001. His younger brother Bertrand also became footballer, as did his son Thomas.