Tim Krul admits he’s still “very sad” about the way he “left via the back door” at Newcastle – but plans to return and say an ‘official goodbye’ if Norwich gain promotion and play at St James’ Park next season.
The Dutchman joined the club as a 17-year old, making just shy of 200 appearances – experiencing relegation and Europa League quarter finals – and even developed a Geordie accent along the way!
That said, he wasn’t in Rafa’s plans and left pretty suddenly, recently saying that Rafa showed him a lack of respect given he’d served the club well for 11 years.
Krul – who is now a big part of a Norwich side pushing for promotion – has had the following to say about last few years on Tyneside:
“Maybe I felt a bit too comfortable at Newcastle,”
“I found the real hunger that I now have again the last couple of years.
“I am fresher and better than ever. I am grateful that I played 33 games this season.
“At Newcastle I lived more in a daze, although I have experienced gigantic beautiful things. I can’t wait to show people that things are good with me.”
“It’s very sad that I left via the back door. That’s why it would only be nice if we were to go up with Norwich. Then I can officially say goodbye there.”
I don’t doubt Rafa’s decision and can’t imagine there’s many Newcastle fans out there that would swap Dubravka for Krul, but I did feel for him a little the way Benitez appeared to freeze him out completely.
Krul then commented on his struggles with injury during his final few years at the club, admitting it was a ‘very dark period’ – but that Norwich arrived to give him a new lease of life at the perfect time:
“I ended up in a black hole,”
“Mentally it was heavy. I went through a very dark period.
“Norwich City arrived at exactly the right time last summer.
“I had a few options to sit on the bench in the Premier League, but I am a fan. When Norwich called me, I saw it immediately. It was a risky step, but it is fantastic. I can’t wait for the next game.”
It’s great to see Krul back playing, with him really getting his career back on track after swapping the subs bench at Brighton for a starting role at Norwich.
He’s always seemed like a good pro and a nice bloke – and we can’t forget what a good goalkeeper he can be at his best.
Let’s hope he can be back at St James’ Park next season (in the Premier League!) and receive a warm applause if he returns with Norwich.
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