Ronny to end with Toon
Ronny Johnsen hopes to play a full season at Newcastle, before possible retirement.
Ronny Johnsen hopes to play a full season at Newcastle, but revealed it could be his last playing football.The Norwegian has been brought to the North East by Graeme Souness to bolster his defensive options at St James' Park.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa stopper was back home contemplating retirement when the call came from Souness.
The 35-year-old had no hesitation in taking up the offer, but admits it could be the final season before hanging up his boots.
"I received offers back home in Norway but I was thinking it was finally time to retire and settle down with my wife and six-month-old daughter," said Johnsen.
"But it came as a pleasant surprise when Graeme Souness rang me. At this stage of my career it was an offer I couldn't turn down, it was just too good.
"It's only a short-term contract until Christmas, with an option until the end of the season, and I'm hoping that I'm still here in May.
"But if I am, I've promised my wife there will be no more after that and that Newcastle will be my last club."
Johnson is currently training hard to regain his fitness and says he could return to action in the next few weeks.
"I'm training twice a day, with the first team in the morning and then with the fitness coach in the afternoon.
"Everything's going well and I'm hoping to be fit to play in a couple of weeks."
