I'm ready for Leeds United debut - Eddie Howe didn't want me to leave Newcastle United
Jonjo Shelvey has admitted he is “excited” to return to England and get stuck in at Burnley.
The former Newcastle United star had been training with the Clarets in recent weeks. At one point, Shelvey looked set to join and make his debut against Sunderland on Friday.
That game finished 0-0, with reported Toon target James Trafford saving two penalties to deny the Black Cats. Shelvey has now agreed to join Burnley on a short-term deal as they aim to secure an instant Premier League return.
The 32-year-old has suffered underwhelming stints at Nottingham Forest and in the Turkish Super Lig but is now back on UK soil. Speaking after the announcement, Shelvey set out his ambition to secure promotion, just as he did at St James’ Park eight years ago.
“It feels amazing to get it done,” Shelvey said. “It’s been quite a long process, but it’s all done now and I’m excited for it. I like the club as a whole. Every time I have played against Burnley at Turf Moor it’s been tough, but I’m part of this team now and my aim is to do my best to help this club get back into the Premier League, where it belongs.”
Ex-Toon skipper Scott Parker - the Burnley manager - also welcomed the signing. He added: “It suits both parties at this present moment in time. From my side, Jonjo came in last week to train with us and we instantly saw his quality.
“He’s a guy that's had many years in and around it and he’s still what, 32? So he's not at the back end of it. He's still got plenty left in him. He went off to Turkey and he's come back and I think we've seen, or certainly I've seen in three or four training sessions, and what I know of him and watching from him from afar, the quality he possesses.
“I think he helps us. I think he probably brings a little bit of something different to maybe what we've got in those positions. He brings experience and something to prove as well, coming back to England, so I'm delighted to have Jonjo with us now. Obviously, he needs some training now to get him up to speed and, hopefully, he can have a big impact on the current squad.”
Shelvey could make his Burnley debut against Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday night, or next Monday’s top of the table clash at home to Leeds United. The midfielder has happy memories of Elland Road having scored in a 1-0 win for Newcastle back in January 2022.