'Amazing' - Anthony Elanga reveals what Elliot Anderson told him about Newcastle United
Whitley Bay-born Elliot Anderson has been talking to Anthony Elanga about Newcastle United.
Anthony Elanga has revealed Elliot Anderson has been ‘talking to him a lot’ about his move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies first tried to sign Elanga last summer when they asked for the winger to be included in the PSR-swindle that saw Geordie midfielder Anderson move in the opposite direction.
But Forest offloaded Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos instead, meaning Elanga and Anderson were teammates last season as Forest finished seventh in the Premier League and reached the semi-final of the FA Cup.
Twelve months on however, and Newcastle have finally got their man. It was confirmed last Friday that Elanga had joined for an undisclosed fee - believed to be £52million plus £3m adds-ons - and put pen to paper on a long-term contract.
Anthony Elanga reveals talks with Elliot Anderson over NUFC move
The Sweden international was in Austria with new teammates last week and made his debut in Saturday’s 4-0 friendly defeat away to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic (kick-off 3pm).
When asked about what Anderson and former United striker Chris Wood, who he played with for two seasons at Forest, had said about Newcastle, Elanga revealed: “They told me amazing things. Obviously, Elliot has been talking to me a lot, helping me a lot as well. I think he's played a huge part as well.
“Not just him, but other players who have played here before. They've been amazing with me. I always try to ask the players that have played here how it is, how the city is. They've helped me a lot.
“Coming here, I feel really settled. I've still got more to know about. It's only going to get better from here.”
Anthony Elanga ‘I feel like I’ve been here for years’
Elanga has quickly settled on Tyneside, which has been helped by knowing several members of the squad already. The 23-year-old is close friends with Will Osula and knows Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth through playing at international level with Sweden.
Under the guidance of head coach Eddie Howe, who has a track record of improving players, Elanga is focused on taking his game to the next level.
“For me, I'm just happy to be here,” said Elanga, who scored six goals and provided 12 assists last season. “I've been here for a week now but genuinely I feel like I've been here for years. The lads, the staff, they've all made me feel so welcome.
“I'm just happy to be here and just want to showcase my abilities, my talents and really evolve my game, really take my game to a whole other level, which I believe I can with the likes of the gaffer again and his staff and the players here.
“That's only going to help me become even better. So far, it's been amazing and just looking forward to continue this way.
“I'm the type of player that always want to learn. Once I learn something, I try to always try and remember and pick up quite quickly so then in games, it becomes natural.
“Coming here, it's only been a week but again, I'm going to say again, it feels like I've been here for years. I feel like they've helped me so much from the first day to the point that now I feel settled already. I feel good whenever I go to training. I'm starting to get the exercise quick and sharp. I'm really happy to be here.
“I feel like there's still going to be so much more for me to come. That's the type of player I am. I always want to strive to become the best. Coming here, I think it's the perfect time and perfect opportunity for me to reach that level.”