‘I just know…’ - Nick Woltemade names one thing he already loves about Newcastle United
Nick Woltemade was in the stands as Newcastle United drew 0-0 with Leeds United.
Nick Woltemade is fully aware of St James’ Park’s raucous atmosphere and cannot wait to line up for Newcastle United next month.
Toon fans are eagerly anticipating the German’s debut following his club-record arrival from Stuttgart. Newcastle failed to register Woltemade in time for yesterday’s draw with Leeds United as he watched on from the stands.
He arrived with the No.27 shirt and a a hefty price tag on his back but the 23-year-old remains “excited” to get going. Woltemade opened up about a whirlwind week that saw him fulfil his Premier League dream.
Nick Woltemade cannot wait to play at SJP
“I’m really happy,” he told the club website. “I’m really happy. The last few days have also been a bit crazy for me, but yeah I took the decision and I’m really happy now to be here at an amazing club.
“Everybody feels already like a family to be honest, yeah everyone welcomed me. It was so good and I’m happy to be here. I’m excited for next week. I hope I can play next week, and yeah this stadium looks amazing.
“I just know it from the TV and already the atmosphere was crazy, so I’m really excited to see it next week. Really looking forward to play here and score goals and have good matches.”
Eddie Howe key
Woltemade has also named Eddie Howe as a key influence behind his decision. He added: “Directly from the first contact, I felt really ‘familiar’ and it’s important to feel like the club want me and have a big plan with me.”
“When I talked to the coach, I already had a good feeling directly. It feels really good and I was like ‘Ok, I want to do it’ and yeah now I’m here. I feel like this is the right place for me to get to my best level in football on the pitch and to feel good also around the pitch.
“It felt like I’d known him a long time but it was the first meeting. It felt really really good. We were laughing, were talking not just about football and that’s important for me to feel good.
“And if I have a person like this where I feel good and where I can be myself, you can talk with your coach not just about football. It’s important and I felt really good.”
Eddie Howe on Nick Woltemade
Speaking following the arrival of Woltemade, Howe said: “Yeah, it was absolutely massive for us to sign a striker. I thought we had to. But I'm really pleased to get one with the quality that he possesses.
“I think he’s not just a big presence, and he will be that in the box for us, but he's got unbelievable technical ability. He's got creativity as well. Everything that we were probably lacking today, I think he can bring.
“There will be a period where he has to adapt to the Premier League. It's always very difficult for anyone to come straight into the league. So, I've got really high hopes for him. Obviously, I don't want to add to the pressure that he's going to be under, but I think he can be a difference-maker.”