It’s been a long time coming, but Yoane Wissa can finally call himself a Newcastle United player, having completed a dramatic deadline day move from Brentford.
Handed the No.9 shirt after Callum Wilson’s departure last month, Wissa has become the fifth player from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to represent us, following in the footsteps of Chancel Mbemba and Lomana LuaLua.
There had been fears over the past few weeks that no deal would be struck between ourselves and the Bees, but with how adamant Wissa has been about making the move, it’s a win for all parties involved that he has finally been able to complete the move.
Here’s what the forward had to say in his first official interview with the club after signing for us, discussing Eddie Howe, the No. 9 shirt and what he’ll bring to the club before receiving a surprise message from Papiss Cisse!
Key quotes from a great first interview
Here are some of the key quotes from the 12-minute interview from our new £55m man
Wissa on finally signing – “So happy. So happy. I’m convinced it was the right move, the right project for me. I can say I’m really really happy to be here.”
“Why Newcastle? Because the atmosphere is great. As I said, whenever we play against them, the fans are unbelievable, so I really love when we play against them.”
Wissa on Eddie Howe – “So when I spoke to the manager, straight away I felt the connection and I think it was the perfect move for me.”
“I think he analysed me perfectly: a lot of freedom, you like to create danger basically, and he wants me on the team to be part of the ‘main character’ I would say. So I was quite impressed with this impression about me and I obviously said ‘Yes, I want to come and I hope we can make it happen’.”
“I’m better when I feel love, I’ll be honest, so I can give 100% myself. This is who I am, this is the energy I will bring, and I hope I can show it straight away.”
Wissa on St James’ Park – “Playing against it (the St James’ Park crowd) is really tough, so it’s going to be something different.
“I will try my best to give everything, to show them I’m the one they really wanted to have in the park, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
