No story involving Faustino Asprilla can be written without the term 'controversial Colombian' being included.

A man who once missed a training session with the Colombian national team so he could buy a horse is no ordinary man.

He's no ordinary footballer either and Newcastle fans will never forget the time 'Tino' spent on Tyneside.

Asprilla became the first Colombian to play in the Premiership when he signed for Kevin Keegan's side from Italian giants Parma for £7.5m in February 1996.

He arrived with Newcastle riding high on top of the Premiership and seemingly heading for the title.

But it wasn't to be that year and some were quick to point the finger at Asprilla - his signing having apparently affected the balance of the side.

His debut was against Middlesbrough just hours after arriving in the North-East when, still jet-lagged, he turned the game on its head - Newcastle winning 2-1.

Asprilla played 63 times for Newcastle and scored 17 goals, each marked with his trademark cartwheel celebration.

His most famous moment in a black and white shirt came on a September night back in 1997 when Newcastle made their bow in the Champions League.

Asprilla earned himself legend status on Tyneside with a hat-trick in that unforgettable 3-2 triumph over Barcelona.

He will also be remembered for another joyous European night, one that many Newcastle fans will treasure just as dearly.

In December 1996 he almost single-handedly clinched a UEFA Cup quarter-final place for Newcastle at St James' Park against Metz.

After scoring his second the 'controversial Colombian' striker's extravagant celebration ended with him taking off his shirt and holding it aloft on a corner flag - the move brought a booking which ruled him out of the first leg in the next round.

But let's not forget the just as important non-performances at the Coventry's and Everton's. Asprilla was a great footballer but he kept his greatness in reserve a lot of the time, and often he was merely a spectator in games.

How he'll cope with trips to Kidderminster and Exeter remains to be seen.

He left Newcastle in January 1998, returning to Parma for £6.5m, before heading back to South America where he has plied his trade with a number of clubs; only becoming a free agent this summer.

But who could forget a player who knocked an opponent out in a friendly in Brazil, was kicked out of his own country for being drunk in possession of a firearm, and was evicted from the national squad for indiscipline during the 1998 World Cup?

If Darlington fans are expecting fireworks then they won't be disappointed