NUFC loan star Kenedy has admitted that he still doesn’t know where he’ll be playing next season, but has opened the door to a return to Newcastle United this summer – saying how happy he’s been playing for such a ‘great team’ under Rafa Benitez.
The winger is set to make his last appearance of the season at Wembley tomorrow night, with him being unable to play against parent club Chelsea on Sunday.
After making such a positive impression since arriving in January, it’s clear Benitez wants him back next season (whether that be on a permanent or another loan deal), but securing that may be easier said than done.
Here’s what he had to say to ESPN Brasil when asked where he’ll be playing his football next season:
“Well, I don’t know,”
“My contract here ends at the end of the season. Then I go back to Chelsea, and my agents will decide where to go. Then the battle begins again.”
“At Chelsea there are lots of great players, so the chance was little,” Kenedy added of his decision to leave Stamford Bridge for a loan spell on Tyneside.
“So I was not playing in a little while. Then this opportunity came, I was very happy I could come to have continuity, to have more time to play.
“Yes, it gives more confidence to come back and play. I had a long time without playing, I think I was a year and a little without playing. So I was happy to be able to play in the Premier League again.”
The 22-year-old then reflected on his time with Newcastle, admitting to being frustrated by our recent run of defeats, but also praising the squad and how welcoming everyone has been since he arrived in January:
“I really wish we had won, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be this time,”
“But I’m happy for the way we have ended the season and what I’ve done at Newcastle, I’m happy to be able to help the team; this squad is really good.
“Everyone welcomed me very well. I’m happy to be working at a great team.”
It’s clear just how much he’s enjoyed playing week in week out, so let’s hope he keeps that in mind when making his next move this summer.
Chelsea may like him and other big clubs may hold interest, but he needs to be playing every week and Benitez will no doubt remind him of the importance of this at such a young age.
Fingers crossed.
