‘I feel at home’ - Emil Krafth gets emotional while setting Newcastle United goal

Signed for £5million in 2019, few would have expected the Swede to last the course following the Saudi-backed takeover. However, Krafth has developed - despite a string of serious injuries - into a dependable squad player for Eddie Howe.

The 30-year-old was signed as a right-back but is now capable of slotting in centrally when needed. Dubbed “Krafthu” by his teammates and supporters, the versatile defender opened up about adjusting to life on Tyneside.

“It’s good,” Krafth told the club’s matchday programme before the Brighton clash. “We’ve been speaking for a while, but now everything is done and we’re very happy, both me and my family. And I mean, it says a lot when you’ve been here this long. This is my sixth season. 

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“I think that says it all, basically, in terms of how much we like it here and enjoy it living-wise, football-wise and everything. Both me and the family are very happy with the extension. We said since the first day we came here how nice people are. Very kind and friendly and, of course, the club has a big part in it.

“I’ve always felt like I was at home here, both player-wise and staff-wise to you guys. And I always felt, even through injury, like I played a part in it even though I was injured. I always felt like I was part of the group, even though I’d been injured with my knee, my ACL and also with my collarbone. I’ve always been around the lads and tried to push them.”

Krafth - now fully fit following his collar bone injury - is hoping to play a part in Newcastle’s run-in as they aim for Champions League qualification and domestic silverware. He added: “I mean, now I’m fit and ready to be back playing again, of course as a player you want to play as much as possible. But it’s also about taking the opportunities you’re given and I think I have done that quite well.”