'It's clear' - Alexander Isak hits back at Newcastle United critics after £130m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak has spoken to the media for the first time since leaving Newcastle United for Liverpool.
Alexander Isak has fired back at his critics following his £130million British record transfer to Liverpool.
Isak turned from hero to zero in the eyes of Newcastle United supporters after going on strike to force his move to Anfield.
The 25-year-old didn’t partake in the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia and when they returned, he refused to reintegrate back into the squad. Isak trained alone at the club’s Benton training ground and his refusal to play left Eddie Howe’s side without an experienced striker for their opening three Premier League matches.
During that period, Isak released a personal statement accusing Newcastle of breaking promises and said “when trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue”. United refuted suggestions that Isak had been told he could leave and played down the possibility of a sale.
But persistence paid off for Isak and he completed his move to Merseyside on deadline day. In a blunt 37-word statement confirming Isak’s departure, Newcastle made no mention of his goals, achievements, or any thank you or well-wishes.
Alexander Isak fires back at critics over Liverpool move
It was reflective of how Newcastle fans now feel towards Isak, but the player has warned his critics that they do not have “the whole picture”.
Isak made his first appearance of the new season as a second-half substitute in Sweden’s 2-0 defeat to Kosovo and spoke to the Swede media after the game.
He told Sportbladet: “It's nice that things were sorted out before the meeting and that I could focus on playing football again, It has been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the field as well.
“That's part of football. I can't control everything that is said or written. But I'm happy that I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted and I'm happy about that.
“It's clear that not everyone has the whole picture, but that's something for another day. Right now, the disappointment lies in this match and how it went. But at the same time, I have a positive feeling about the club team part that is coming.”
Alexander Isak: Newcastle United chapter is closed
Isak was asked about the way in which his three-year spell at Newcastle ended, and he replied: “I don't want to go into details or talk about that situation too much. It's [Newcastle] a closed chapter but I've never had any problems.”
The Swede last week issued a message telling Newcastle he was “forever grateful”.
It read: “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.
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.”