‘This community...’ - Anthony Elanga breaks silence on Newcastle United supporters after difficult season
Anthony Elanga scooped a community award to highlight his off-field work since joining Newcastle United.
Anthony Elanga has thanked Newcastle United supporters for “taking him in” following his £55million move.
The Swede received the PFA Community Champion award, which recognises players who go the extra mile to help the club’s charity work throughout the season. While on the pitch has been a struggle, Elanga continues to support the Newcastle United Foundation.
Elanga has visited primary schools, helped aspiring sports reporters and brought awareness to the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign. As mentioned, this has come amid the backdrop of a difficult debut season on Tyneside, with just one Premier League assist and no top-flight goals to his name.
Anthony Elanga grateful to Newcastle United fans
Speaking to the club website, Toon winger Elanga paid tribute to the supporters for welcoming him with open arms. He said: “This community has taken me in as one of their own, and that has really helped me settle. It feels like the start of a journey with some amazing things to come. I’m proud to be a part of that.
“Giving back to the community is something that has meant a lot to me since I was young and I want to carry on that tradition. Even the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone else, so I always want to play my part.”
PFA CEO congratulates winners
Maheta Molango, PFA CEO, congratulated this season’s winners. He said: “We know from our work with players that they feel passionately about using their influence in positive ways to drive change in their communities.
“Our PFA Community Champions have shown incredible dedication to community engagement projects over the season and it’s right that they are celebrated for the impact they’ve had. On behalf of everyone at the PFA, I extend our warmest congratulations to this season’s winners.”