Nico Gonzalez arrived for £50million as one of Newcastle United’s marquee summer arrivals.
Nico Gonzalez has described joining Newcastle United as “the best decision” he could have made to re-energise his stalling career.
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City sold the Spaniard for £50million in August. Gonzalez arrived 18 months earlier but found opportunities difficult to come by due to Rodri’s importance.
However, with Rodri gone, the time appeared to come for the midfielder to stake his claim at the Etihad. The club’s supporters seemed genuinely sad to see Gonzalez go as he showed occasional brilliance - like at the start of last season - when given the chance.
Man City’s loss is Newcastle’s gain as the 24-year-old arrives aiming to fill the void left by Bruno Guimaraes. He made an immediate impact on debut as the Magpies earned a 2-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur.
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Nico Gonzalez relishing Newcastle United chance
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gonzalez relished the chance to play regularly and make his mark at St James’ Park. When asked if joining Newcastle was a surprise, he said: “It's the opposite. I think it was a huge opportunity for me. I mean, I was obviously at a top, top club, Manchester City, but Newcastle has been amazing the last few years and has even more potential.
“So I think we are a top team and I'm enjoying it so much. The most important thing is not about, ‘Oh, you have to be in the best club’. The most important thing is enjoying football and trying to become the best player you can.
“I don't like to talk about (being the) main man because things change so quickly. Obviously, coming here and feeling the confidence from all the staff and all the fans and everyone, all the teammates also, it's really nice and it makes me feel even more energy to try to give my best.”
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‘Best decision’ - Nico Gonzalez
Gonzalez was unveiled to a raucous reception ahead of the Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion. The moment helped confirm in his mind that joining Newcastle is the best decision he could have made.
“Yeah, I was surprised,” Gonzalez added. “Obviously, those moments are in the middle of so many emotions. Leaving City, coming here and feeling that (the crowd)... it was the best decision I could have ever made and I think life here is amazing. I'm enjoying it so much.
“We are still building, which is something that makes me feel even more excited. Sometimes when you start a process, it's not easy at the beginning, but we are doing really good things and we still have a lot to improve, which makes me feel like we could even play better and win better and win more points… the most important thing. It's exciting.”
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Wow - Nico Gonzalez reveals true Newcastle United feelings after Man City move
Wow - Nico Gonzalez reveals true Newcastle United feelings after Man City move