'It was' - Alexander Isak finally responds to Newcastle United 'rat' chants in Swedish media
Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak received a hostile reception on his return to St James’ Park.
Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak says his return to St James’ Park was “special”, despite receiving a hostile reception.
Isak was back on Tyneside last month for the first time since joining Liverpool for £130million last summer, as the two sides played out a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the new Premier League campaign.
The 26-year-old scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Magpies, including the winning goal in the 2025 Carabao Cup final, which ended the club’s 56-year trophy drought. However, just months later, he tarnished his Newcastle legacy after refusing to train or play in an attempt to force through a move to Anfield.
We have launched a new NUFC YouTube channel to bring the latest Newcastle United news and analysis. Click this link and subscribe to NUFC Press Box.
Alexander Isak breaks silence on hostile St James’ Park return
Newcastle supporters made their feelings towards Isak known during his return, with the Swedish striker subjected to vociferous boos and chants of “rat, rat, rat”.
Reflecting on the reaction of the home crowd, Isak seemed pretty unbothered and rather bizarrely described the match as “special”.
“It was special,” Isak told Swedish publication Fotbollskanalen. “We were prepared for the atmosphere, so it was a special match.”
The game itself saw Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock give Newcastle the lead twice, only for Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai to equalise on both occasions.
Szoboszlai’s equaliser came from the penalty spot in the ninth minute of stoppage time after Lewis Hall was penalised for a foul on Victor Munoz. With Isak previously assuming the penalty-taker responsibility at Newcastle, many expected him to step up.
“Szoboszlai was the penalty taker for that match,” Isak said. “It's a bit unimportant. That's a team thing and it's not for the media or the fans to decide who should take a penalty.”
Isak drew a blank at St James’ Park but has been in decent goalscoring form since, with his four goals so far already equalling last season’s tally.
"It means a lot,” Isak said. “Compared to last year, I feel like I'm in a much better place now physically and everything.
“My focus has been on having a good season considering last year. It's not about making amends, but having the usual ambitions to do well. I've had a good start, but it's still very early. I won't talk about that too much.”