Nicky Butt
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Nicholas (Nicky) Butt (born 21 January 1975 in Manchester) is a professional footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premiership. A primarily defensive midfielder, he is a regular England international.
He began his career at Manchester United and was an important part of their youth team before turning professional in 1993. He became a regular player in the Manchester United first team from 1994-95 onwards. His opportunities were somewhat limited by the presence of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, but nevertheless he collected a whole host of honours: six Premiership titles, four F.A. Cups and one Champions League.
He won his first England cap during the 1997-98 season and became a regular in the side. After the Template:Wc he was named "the best player at the tournament" by Brazilian legend Pelé. He currently competes for one of the two central midfield positions with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Chelsea's Frank Lampard.
His first-team opportunities at Manchester United further restricted by a number of new midfield acquisitions, Butt handed in a transfer request in January 2004, but turned down a proposed move to Birmingham City during the January transfer window and stayed at United for the rest of the season. He was transferred to Newcastle United for £2 million in July 2004 to replace Gary Speed, who had moved to Bolton Wanderers.