Newcastle midfielder comments goes viral after claiming he is “a different player now” and ready to return in action
Anthony Elanga ready to return to action with Newcastle United
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ANTHONY ELANGA feels the challenges of his difficult first year as a Newcastle United player will enable him to kick on markedly next season.
This time 12 months ago, Elanga was hoping to play a starring role in an all-conquering Newcastle side after completing a £55m move from Nottingham Forest.
Instead, as the Magpies struggled collectively last season, so Elanga failed to live up to the sky-high billing that accompanied him from the City Ground.
There were high points, most notably when he scored twice against Barcelona at the Nou Camp, but he ended the campaign with just 14 Premier League starts to his name and without having scored a league goal for the Magpies.
“I’ve grown a lot as a player, as a person,” said Elanga. “I’ve learned a lot from what I did last season. I’ve reflected a lot and I’m a different player now, I’m a different person from last year, from yesterday.
“I always try to forget about the past, but learn from it, and move forward for what’s ahead. There are exciting times ahead. I’ve just got to focus on the things that I can control.
“I know last season wasn’t the way I wanted it to go, or what I had planned in my head. But I know the type of player I am.
“I know what I’m capable of doing, so it’s all about focusing on the now, staying present for the present and moving forward with confidence and precision. It’s the precision before the pounce. I’m ready for this season to start.”
Elanga spent the summer representing Sweden at the World Cup, with the high point of his time in North America coming when he scored a superb solo goal against Japan in the group stage.
“I’ve had time, during the World Cup, to reflect on a lot of things, on and off the pitch,” said the winger, in an interview with Newcastle’s official website. “I feel like I’m in a really, really good place – house in order, everything’s good, family are good.
“For me, physically, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I just feel ready to go. I’ve come back for the new season and it doesn’t feel like I’ve been away. I’m ready to play.”
