Much-hyped footballer, Sweden’s Alexander Isak, made a return to the pitch when he played his first minutes of the season in Sweden’s 2-0 defeat by Kosovo in World Cup qualifiers on Monday. Although Sweden were handed a tough loss, Isak said he was glad to be in the thick of things and could focus on playing football once again.
“It’s great that everything was settled before the camp and that I could focus on playing football again. It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch as well,” Isak told Swedish media after the defeat in Pristina, where he came on as a second-half substitute.
The 25-year-old completed a 125 million pounds ($169.46 million) switch from Newcastle United to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, bringing an end to a transfer saga that had dragged on throughout the close season. Isak had made it clear he wanted to leave Newcastle at the start of the window and played no part in the club’s pre-season or opening league games, accusing the club of breaking promises and misleading supporters.
“Obviously, not everyone has the full picture, but that’s something for another day. I can’t control everything that’s said or written. But I’m happy that I became a Liverpool player,” Isak said.
Earlier, Isak had expressed his gratitude to Newcastle United and the club’s supporters after his British-record transfer to Liverpool, despite a trail of criticism and a frosty farewell from St James’ Park. Newcastle fans were left with a bitter taste as the English champions secured Isak’s transfer after the Sweden striker’s standoff with the club ended with burned bridges and frayed loyalties.
Gratitude
“I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together,” Isak wrote on Instagram with comments on the post turned off.
“Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. It has been an honour to be part of the journey from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in over 70 years. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle.”
(With Reuters inputs)
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