Nico Gonzalez does not regret his choice to switch from Manchester City to Newcastle United. He has said joining the club on Tyneside was the best decision he could have ever made.
Gonzalez joined Newcastle in August from City for a fee reportedly rising to £50 million, including add-ons, and signed a long-term deal after 18 months at the Etihad Stadium. In talking to Sky Sports during his first week at the new club, he insisted he had settled in quickly.
Why happiness matters as much as prestige
As he put it, the transfer was a huge opportunity. Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Gonzalez thinks that Newcastle has shown significant improvement in recent years and still has a lot of potential to grow. He feels that happiness is as important as prestige. He suggested that being happy while playing football is more important than simply playing for the best football club.
The way he was welcomed by the fans at St James’ Park clearly made an impression on Gonzalez. Just a few hours later he was introduced to the crowd before the Carabao Cup match against West Bromwich Albion. Looking back at that moment, Gonzalez said, “My transfer was the best.”
Sympathy for City, but no verdict
Inevitably, the conversation turned to the Premier League charges hanging over his former club. Gonzalez was careful with his words. He was keen to express sympathy rather than judgement.
He said he never enjoyed the uncertainty at City and feels for those caught up in it. In particular, the staff working behind the scenes, for whom the situation must be difficult. He spoke warmly of the friendships and connections he built during his time in Manchester. He said he will always wish his old teammates and colleagues well.
On the question of punishment, he was firm. As a player, he said, he is not in a position to say what should happen, and as an outsider, he does not know the full picture.
Rebuilding a depleted midfield
Gonzalez now shifts his attention to Newcastle, as the Spaniard knows that he has a major challenge ahead of him. With both Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali leaving the club this summer, the Magpies need to address their midfield need, and Gonzalez is set to fill their void.
Gonzalez himself has been inconsistent so far, as after a sensational debut for Spurs, he has had a few below-par performances. It is rare for any footballer to slot seamlessly into a new team, new league, and a new position, so these early signs point towards the positive.
Based on the above, it is safe to assume that Newcastle landed a happy player, who is motivated and ready to prove a point. The next step is for Gonzalez to back it up with a series of positive displays in black and white.
