Yes. There were clubs … But Newcastle vetoed.Newcastle star midfielder Moussa Sissoko claims that he had offers from other clubs around Europe to leave the club this summer, but Newcastle ‘vetoed’ the move.
In an interview with France Football, quoted and translated by The Mag , Sissoko was asked a series of questions, including several on his future at the club.
In a recent interview with Foot Mercato, the Frenchman’s agent confirmed that he stayed put at Newcastle this summer in order to play regular football and maintain his place in the national team. The report also went on to suggest Sissoko was in line for a new and improved Newcastle contract.
They wanted to keep him for another year. Then, with next year being the Euros, it will also be the time to make a decision. The club had offered him the right to leave. But they changed their tune during the transfer window.
Sissoko indicated that playing for a smaller club like Newcastle compared to his international midfielder teammates that he needs to play regularly in order to keep his place in the squad.
“Today, look at those who play in my position: Blaise (Matuidi) who did extraordinary things for PSG, Paul (Pogba) who is wonderful for Juventus, Yohan Cabaye who has just signed for Crystal Palace and Morgan Schneiderlin who is now at Manchester United. Compared to me, they all play in big clubs.”
However, he confirmed shortly after that playing for Newcastle is not slowing his progress with the international team, having been subbed off in 15 of his 29 appearances for his nation.
“No, that’s not it. I am in Newcastle but it is not a club of the Big Four, and I do not forget that media focus on bigger clubs than mine and (some of their players) are not called (up).”
The 26-year-old confirmed that he held talks with the club about leaving in the summer, but the club decided against it.
It could have been a good time to leave. There were discussions with the club (Newcastle) who were against me leaving.
Playing time was a big factor in his decision, and Sissoo confirms that Didier Dechamps demands that he plays every week to make the team.
“The coach (Didier Deschamps) has said and repeated, you have to play. I took it into account.”
Did Sissoko want a move?
I keep that to myself…
The midfielder reaffirms that he is not frustrated about not moving this summer, and is focused on the task at hand with Newcastle.
“No, not at all. I am there at Newcastle, I have the chance to play every weekend, to evolve in a fantastic stadium. What I miss is to play leading roles (Champions League, competing for trophies).
“Now, in my opinion, (this summer) it was a very good recruitment. There is a great team this year to have a good Premier League. We know it will be difficult to finish in the top 5. But if we finish sixth, seventh or eighth with Newcastle, I would be very happy.
But were there offers for Sissoko this summer? He says there were, but the club vetoed them so he could stay.
Yes. There were clubs, but Newcastle vetoed.
Sissoko will spend this year at Newcastle, and hopefully compete at the Euros next summer which is being hosted in his home country. He will only decide on his future after the competition.
“It’s still far away. I have ambitions but I will first think about having a good Championship (Premier League) and a good Euro , which I hope to win with France. And at that time (next summer), I will have all the time for reflection.”
He confirms that he wants to play in the Champions League, could that be a hint at a future move?
“I would like to (play in the Champions League), I hope to one day.”
So how much would Sissoko go for in the current market? Well, here’s how much he thinks he’s valued at.
If I was club president , why not 100 million (laughs)!
