Alexander Isak shakes hands with Sven Botman of Newcastle United as they arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Sven Botman of Newcastle United as they arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Alexander Isak got his wish of joining Liverpool but by doing so destroyed his legacy at Newcastle United.
Heading into the summer, Isak was a legend at Newcastle. He scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool in March, while his 62 goals in total twice helped the club to qualify for the Champions League.
But the Swede soon tarnished that legacy by going on strike to ultimately force a move to Anfield. It was very telling that when announcing his £130million British transfer to Liverpool, Newcastle wrote no more than 37 words, which included no mention of his goals or a thank you.
Newcastle United issue blunt Alexander Isak statement
“Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee,” it read. “The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions.”
Sven Botman faces wrath of Newcastle United
With the saga still fresh, it is clear there is a lot of ill feeling towards Isak currently, which is why Botman’s public message to Isak hasn’t gone down well with a large number of supporters.
Taking to Instagram, Botman wrote: “What started off as teammates growed in one of my rare best friendships. No words needed brother. All the best in your next chapter.”
As put best by one fan: “Is Sven Botman still allowed to be friends with Alexander Isak? Of course he is. Some things are bigger than football.
“Is this a stupid thing to post hours after one of THE most disrespectful exits in Newcastle history? Yes. Just read the room & text him, Sven! #NUFC”
Alexander Isak discusses his move to Liverpool
Speaking about his move to Liverpool, Isak said: “It’s a mixture of what the club is building, but what they’re building on top of what the club already is. The history of the club. Me getting the chance to be a part of this, I want to create history. I want to win trophies.
“That’s ultimately the biggest motivation for me and I feel like this is the perfect place for me to grow even further and to take my game to the next level and help the team as well.
“I feel like this is the next step for me in my career. I’m super-happy that I’ve been given this chance and I’m very motivated to do something well with it.
“I think I have a lot to give, I think I have a lot to improve. I’m a striker but I always want to give as much as possible to the team, mainly goals but much more than that as well. I want to win everything. Yeah, [as simple as that].”
“It’s so exciting, I think it’s something difficult to put into words, I think you have to experience it and then explain.
“I think we all know what Liverpool is about, the fans and what they’re about as well. So, yeah, looking forward to getting to experience that.”
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