Alexander Isak has given his most in-depth interview since leaving Newcastle United.placeholder image
Alexander Isak has given his most in-depth interview since leaving Newcastle United. | Getty Images, Newcastle United
Alexander Isak burned all bridges with Newcastle United when he downed tools over the summer to join Liverpool.
Alexander Isak has defended Newcastle United from criticism aimed at their Saudi-backed owners.
And in the Swede’s most in-depth interview since joining Liverpool, he claimed “things are always more complicated than they seem” regarding his controversial summer exit. Newcastle fans worshipped Isak for helping the club lift its first domestic honour for 70 years.
He was one of the first high-profile figures to join the post-takeover project but arguably did more than anyone to derail Newcastle’s trajectory over the summer. Isak downed tools, refusing to train or play for the Magpies to push through a Liverpool move.
In doing so, the 26-year-old burned all of his bridges at St James’ Park. Toon fans have taken comfort in Isak’s abysmal start to Anfield life - where he has just two goals from 15 games across all competitions.
Alexander Isak defends Newcastle United
Speaking to Swedish outlet Sportbladet, Isak has defended joining Newcastle despite criticism towards the club’s ownership. When asked if players should be condemned for joining the Magpies, he replied: “No. I think that’s a very long shot. It’s a Premier League club, playing in England, in the best league in the world.
“If you have that option, it feels very far-fetched that you should say no to it because of their owners. From my perspective, a footballer’s perspective, as I said, you go to an Premier League club.
“We understand how things can be twisted and turned. You can find negative things when it comes to everyone, and different things in our society. I think you have to take it for what it is. It’s an English club in the best league in the world, a step in your career.”
‘More complicated than it seems’ - Alexander Isak
Isak also hinted at there being stories yet to be told regarding his explosive summer exit. For now, he is preferring to keep his Newcastle career “in the past” and succeed on Merseyside.
“I can say this, things are always more complicated than they seem,” Isak added. “I have talked about this, but I have not gone into depth. And it is not something that I want to do, based on the fact that I have put it behind me. I am focusing forward, there is no benefit in going into it or opening it up - neither for me nor for anyone else. It must remain in the past.”
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Why Alexander Isak chose Liverpool
On whether choosing Liverpool over Newcastle was simple, Isak finished: “Yes. That was the most interesting thing for me. I felt pretty early on that this was where I wanted to go. A holistic picture (is what attracted me). The club's history, where the club is today and the next steps it will take.”
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