Kieran Trippier breaks silence on Newcastle United future - and Eddie Howe contract talks
Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has addressed his future at the club, ahead of the Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Kieran Trippier has swerved talk of his Newcastle United future ahead of the Champions League clash with Barcelona.
The former England defender will lead the team out at Camp Nou tomorrow on a monumental night for the Magpies. They know a victory would not only represent one of the biggest results of their history, but would also seal a spot in the Champions League last eight for the first time.
Trippier has been a key player in the Magpies’ mini-revival in recent weeks, rolling the clock back to play some of the best football of his NUFC career. However, the 35-year-old’s deal at St James’ Park comes to an end in the summer - and his future remains uncertain.
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Kieran Trippier asked about his NUFC contract situation
Trippier was quizzed by the press on his future at Camp Nou, but said his focus is not on the summer, instead preferring to deflect that talk ahead of such a crucial game.
When asked whether he wants to stay, Trippier said: “There's loads of possibilities. Football's a strange game. But I understand and respect that my contract's up in the summer. I think it's not rocket science that everybody knows my contract's up.
“As I said before, I'm not thinking about the future, I'm thinking about tomorrow. And that's just me being honest. In the next couple of weeks, obviously me and the manager will have a talk, of course. But let's just get tomorrow out of the way. Let's put in a good performance and focus on not just myself, but the team.”
Kieran Trippier vows to give his all for NUFC - no matter what the future holds
Trippier was asked about how much he feels he’s got to give Newcastle United - and he said age is just a number.
“So much, I think,” he said. “Somebody called me old over there before. Age is just a number. I think these days, now, with the nutrition, with the sports science, with how you look after yourself, I think age is just a number. So, for me, personally, I feel good. I feel in good shape.
Kieran Trippier’s battle with Tino Livramento at Newcastle United
He said: “Of course, I'm up against Tino [Livramento], who's a very, very good player. But all I can do is give my all until I'm not here. So, tomorrow will be no different and how ever many games I play from now until the end of the season, I'll give my all, as I always have done.
“As I said when I walked through the door on my first day, I want to give my all for the club. I want to help the club get to the position that we're in today. Then, when I leave, I know I've helped the club get to the position that it's in and I'm delighted. I've won a trophy with the club. But I'm just focused on tomorrow. I'm not focusing on three months' time or after the Champions League game. I'm focused on Barcelona. That's my focus, my team's, and the manager's.”