Callum Wilson has declared himself fully fit and ready to start tonight’s crucial clash with AC Milan, insisting the team “will leave blood sweat and tears out there” in search of a win.
Our number nine is yet to score in the Champions League, with his only start coming in last month’s 2-0 defeat in Dortmund, but he’s been brilliant in the league when fit, scoring seven and assisting one in 11 appearances.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Wilson said “I was born ready!” when asked about his availability following his 25-minute cameo at Spurs on Sunday, also discussing his wait for a first Champions League goal, his hunger to help the team and seize his chance on Europe’s biggest stage after so many setbacks.
Read the best bits from his impressive pre-match interview below:
Wilson when asked if he’s fit to start tonight:
“Am I ready to start? Of course. I was born ready!
“You work so hard during your rehab so you can get back and tolerate any demand that’s put on you. I feel I’m in a very good place right now. I’m 100% ready.
“We will leave blood sweat and tears out there (against AC Milan). For the whole team it’s about having no regrets.”
Wilson on his wait for a first Champions League goal:
“It would be an amazing moment in my career. I personally believe it hasn’t come yet because it’s waiting for a special moment to happen and what a story it would be if it’s the winning goal tomorrow night.”
Wilson on his hunger to succeed:
“I’m always hungry anyway and try to strive to be the best I can be, but when games of this ilk come around, they don’t come around often, really, and to be able to try to help the team get to where they need to get to, you do everything you can to try to help them.
“Dortmund away was my first start. For me walking across the pitch and standing hearing the music playing was a special moment inside. You look up and you could have looked back at times in my career where I had double ACL injuries and might have thought this will never happen. You try and grasp the opportunity with both hands.”
"I feel I'm in a very good place right now" 💬
Callum Wilson says he's delighted to be back for Newcastle as he prepares to face AC Milan in the Champions League ⚽ pic.twitter.com/10xQN7ZEaV
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 12, 2023
