Anthony Gordon conducted his first Barcelona interview in perfect Spanish after leaving Newcastle United.
Rafa Benitez has discussed how Anthony Gordon was learning Spanish while at Everton.
Newcastle United supporters were taken by surprise when Gordon conducted his first Barcelona interview in the language. Toon chiefs sanctioned a £70million sale shortly after the Premier League season finished.
Gordon spent three-and-a-half years on Tyneside, helping the Magpies secure two Champions League qualifications and the Carabao Cup trophy. He will now embark on a new quest in Catalonia - after his efforts for England at the World Cup.
‘Very good Spanish’ - Rafa Benitez
Gordon disclosed in his maiden Barca speech that he practised Spanish with Newcastle’s backroom staff. Speaking to talkSPORT, former Toon boss Benitez - who coached the winger at Everton - revealed his efforts go back even further.
“You know Anthony Gordon was at Everton and we promoted him a lot,” Benitez said. “I don’t talk about prices because football is crazy now with the prices. In terms of the potential of Anthony, you know he speaks very good Spanish.
“He was learning with us, talking with us and my staff. And after, at Newcastle, also with their staff. I think he has an advantage. You can see he has pace and can score goals.”
Rafa Benitez gives Anthony Gordon insight
While reflecting on a story of Gordon as a youngster, Benitez also claimed he can become a success at Barcelona. The Spaniard added: “The time he was with us, in Miami, we played a friendly. It was very hot and he was on the bench. He came off the bench for the last 15 minutes and couldn’t run. It was very hot. We were talking to him about his fitness.
“His pace is there - the problem was his stamina. And then he started working on his stamina, improved a lot and then he was sold for £40million. His mentality was hard-working, he had the talent and the belief. He can finish, score goals and has pace.
“What he has to be is more consistent. If he can do that, he can play at Barcelona. The only problem I can see at Barcelona is possession. He has to adapt quickly to these shorter spaces where you have to make a difference.”
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