In an interview with The Chronicle, Aleksandar Mitrovic has spoken out once again about his future at the club, encouraging the fans to continue their support and ‘stay with’ the team, but seeming unsure if he will remain a Newcastle United player for much longer.
Despite his struggling form last season, scoring just four Championship goals, Mitrovic remained a popular figure amongst several groups of Newcastle supporters.
He then had a message to the fans after being asked what it means to have his name chanted by at St. James’ Park:
“I am very glad they do.
“What I’d say is I don’t know what is going to happen at the end.
“While I am here I will give everything like I always have.
“Sometimes that’s enough, sometimes it’s not.
“I hope the fans stay with us and we need them now back in the Premier League.”
It’s interesting to see him mention that giving his all is sometimes not enough. I’ve looked at him in pre-season training and he looks lean, so has clearly got himself in good shape over the summer, but wether Rafa Benitez sees him as part of his Premier League plans is another matter.
Mitrovic then went on to announce yet again that he is happy on Tyneside, but admits to not knowing what will happen, despite his efforts to impress the gaffer:
“I am happy here.
“We will see what has happened by the end of the transfer window but at the moment I am here and I will do everything to work hard like I always do.”
It was reported earlier this week that Lyon had been offered the Serbian for £16m this summer. Whilst his love for NUFC is infectious, his performances on the pitch leave a lot to be desired, and i’d be inclined to cash in on him if we received an offer in excess of seven figures.
Mitrovich divides fans. His temperament also. The thing is the PL is about pace and skill and Mitro has neither. That’s why he struggles.He is popular with the fans because they can see he gives all he has, but in reality its not enough. He is still young enough for a fresh start elsewhere and in a league more suited to his footballing style. I cannot see us investing in another top PL striker without shifting him first, or letting say Perez go for top money. But so far so good, things slowly coming together with defensive cover and pacey wingers, we now need that central midfielder to cover for Jon Jo and that striker who will get us those 20 goals a season plus. Gayle will do well I think but doubt he can last a whole season. Once temperatures fall hamstrings are always a greater risk. Not too worried on the goalkeeper situation if the defence is good.
Ivor Clark(Quote)