Alexander Isak and Newcastle United exchanged a fierce war of words last night - there can only be one winner.
Of the seven bridges that cross the River Tyne on the Quayside, Alexander Isak has burned every last one. Like the famous green arch, winking eye or 19th century swinging wonder, the Swede was, until recently, a symbol of pride in Newcastle upon Tyne.
He evoked black-and-white pandemonium worldwide in March. Newcastle United finally found the striker to carry them to silverware. With further investment, Toon fans believed Isak was the man to take them further: the Premier League title.
Just 157 days later, the dream is now a living nightmare. Isak is considered persona non grata after bailing on the club’s pre-season and opening fixture at Aston Villa.
And on Tuesday night, whether written by himself or not, he put his signature to a letter that spits in the face of Eddie Howe and every Newcastle supporter who placed Isak on a pedestal. An embarrassing, desperate attempt to force his way out.
“I am proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25,” Isak posted on Instagram. “First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who have supported me along the way.
“I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there. I’ve been quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself. Alexander Isak.
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“Not one direct mention of Howe, the man who developed him from a six-goal prospect to £150million legend. Or the supporters, whose affection around these parts - if mistreated - can soon bleed into vitriol.
Newcastle fired back in brilliant fashion - putting Isak and his toxic agent to the sword with a strongly worded statement of their own. The rightful fume from the Toon top brass could be felt with every scribble.
A bullish retaliation left even the most rose-tinted Liverpool fan deleting tweets from across the summer. that the 25-year-old is going nowhere. Time to leave the NewcastleWorld readers with Isak’s quotes to Swedish media in March - quite the volte-face from last night’s adolescent whine.
“There’s not much to say (about my future),” he said. “I’ve commented on my situation and security in Newcastle several times. It’s been written how much I love the city and club, how well I feel there. I just want to perform for NUFC.”
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