Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw has made an instant impression after his summer move from AC Milan.
They say that patience is a virtue, and Newcastle United have certainly found that out with Malick Thiaw.
Newcastle wanted to sign Thiaw from AC Milan in 2024, but a deal could not be thrashed out.
Thiaw finally arrived at St James’ Park in August and has certainly made up for lost time.
After a brilliant start to life at Newcastle, Thiaw is back in the Germany squad to face Luxembourg and Slovakia.
Malick Thiaw warms up ahead of Newcastle United vs Fulham at St James' Park.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Malick Thiaw on Newcastle United chant
Newcastle were beaten at Brentford on Sunday, but Thiaw was one of few Magpies players to impress.
The defender has barely put a foot wrong since joining Newcastle, and he has rapidly become a fan favourite.
It may be simple, but Thiaw has picked up a very popular chant early into his Newcastle career.
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To the tune of ‘Bella Ciao’, you will now hear Newcastle fans screaming ‘Malick Thiaw, Thiaw, Thiaw’.
Thiaw has now offered his thoughts on that chant while speaking to Sky Germany.
The Magpies defender called the chant ‘fantastic’, and admitted that he had never heard it anywhere else in his career.
Newcastle teammates then told him that it was ‘common’ to have a dedicated chant in England, something Thiaw finds ‘wonderful’.
“I know the lyrics – they’re fantastic,” said Thiaw.
“It’s a song I’ve never had before in my career. I was surprised when I first heard it. My teammates then told me – without downplaying it – that it’s common in England.
“Nevertheless, it was wonderful for me. I first heard the song at an away game when I was standing in front of the fans. I’ll never forget that moment,” he added.
Newcastle United will be relieved after Malick Thiaw decision
Thiaw hails from Düsseldorf in Germany and has played for his home country at Under-21 and senior levels.
The Newcastle star could have played for two other countries, though, as he qualifies to play for Senegal and Finland.
Thiaw’s father is Senegalese, and his mother is Finnish, meaning a decision on his international future wasn’t straightforward.
Having gone two years without a cap, Thiaw admitted to Sky Germany that he has been in contact with Senegal and Finland to discuss the prospect of switching allegiance.
Thiaw’s priority was Germany, though, and that commitment has paid off with a recall.
Newcastle may be particularly relieved that Thiaw didn’t pick Senegal, just so he doesn’t head off to the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
Thiaw is now ready to fully commit to Germany, and he will hope to land a spot at the World Cup next summer.