Loris Karius reflects on the ‘crazy’ 24 hours that led to his shock Newcastle United move

Loris Karius has reflected on a “crazy” 24 hours that led to him becoming a Newcastle United player.

An ankle injury to Karl Darlow in training - which is set to rule the 31-year-old out for a few months - prompted the Magpies to immediately approach Karius.

The German goalkeeper was looking for a “new challenge” after a difficult six-year spell at Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Karius was at his home in Germany when the call from the Magpies arrived before travelling to Tyneside in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The 29-year-old underwent his medical and finalised his move on the same day - signing a short-term contract with an option to extend it for the rest of the campaign.

United delayed his unveiling as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

‘It came out of nowhere pretty much’

“I was at my place in Berlin last night and got a call from my agent to say that Newcastle were looking for a goalkeeper,” Karius explained to NUFCTV.

“He said if I imagined going there then I’d have to be there by tomorrow and finalise everything.

“I had five or 10 minutes to make my mind up and tell him to progress and move forward.

“I got my flight tickets around midnight and left my place at 4:30 in the morning. It was all very crazy but now I’m here.

“Everything happened very quickly.

“I had to make a quick decision but it was clear it felt good from the first moment I had the talks that I wanted to come here.

“It came out of nowhere pretty much. It’s a good opportunity for me.

“I’m a little bit tired from the travelling but I’m excited and looking forward to everything.”

‘My aim is to help Nick by pushing him’

Karius, who has made almost 250 career appearances for Mainz 05, Liverpool, Besiktas and Union Berlin, will embrace his role of supporting No.1 Nick Pope in Darlow’s absence.

Mark Gillespie is set to remain as third choice.

“My aim is to help Nick by pushing him to make good performances but also I want to progress myself,” Karius added.

“If there is a game time then that would be great for me but I will support the other boys and play my part in the team to help us be successful.

“I miss the feeling of training with the team every day.

“I’ve been keeping fit training by myself but I really looking forward to getting back into the rhythm of training with high quality every day.

“I want to develop and progress. It can be a really good situation for both parties.”