Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Sissoko – Last Interview Before Leaving France For Tyneside

11 years ago
Share

Just before leaving for Tyneside, our latest signing, Moussa Sissoko gave his last interview before flying to Newcastle.

A player who has often been compared to Patrick Vieira, Sissoko is a 6ft 2 all action midfielder who will give us some much needed energy and pace in the middle of midfield. He is ambitious and a no nonsense character on and off the pitch, this really comes through in his RMCSport interview, yet again expertly translated by Pierre.

Moussa Sissoko (23 years), who has left Toulouse for Newcastle with six months left on his contract, was in Larqué Foot RMC on Friday. He thanked the Téfécé, his nurturing club, despite the difficulties linked with his transfer.

Moussa, how was your transfer to Newcastle? Are you relieved?

“Yes, I am relieved. It all happened in the last 48 hours. I was in a somewhat complicated situation at Toulouse. My agent has done some good work with the club. We managed to reach an agreement for me to be able to sign. The Relations with Toulouse were strained…

I would have preferred my last moments at Toulouse to go much better. The President (Olivier Sadran) has his reasons. I had to accept them. I did not sulk with this. I continued training as I would have done normally. An agreement with Newcastle was reached. So much the better for me. I leave with my conscience cleared. I am pleased with all the years I spent at Toulouse. Now I am focusing on my new club.”

Why was it not more simple?

I do not know. The President had objected to my departure before now. He alone had his reasons. I was still under contract. I had to continue working for the club. This is what I did. I was in a delicate situation. They intended to not play me anymore. We found a common ground so that I could leave. I do not forget all that Toulouse has done for me. This is my club at heart. This is where I grew up.

You have been criticised for not respecting your contract …

Yes, it is a bit like that. But the president, he is the boss. I cannot go against what he says.

Would you have stayed at Toulouse without playing until the end of your contract?

It would have been complicated. I’m a competitor, I want to play every weekend. In addition, there is the French team. It was going to be tricky. I preferred to leave. I hope it will be better for me at Newcastle and that the French coach will continue to call me.

Have you spoken with Didier Deschamps?

No, I have not had time to discuss it with him. I was planning to do it if I was selected (for France- Germany on  February 6th). It has happened before then. So much the better for me.

Why did you choose Newcastle and England?

England, as I have always said, is the league that suits me best, where I can best express my qualities. For me, Newcastle is a great club even if currently it is in a somewhat complicated situation. I think it is linked to physical problems (injuries). They have done a good recruitment. I hope that we with succeed in having a good end of season and finish as high as possible.

You are the 11th French player in the squad of Newcastle. Did this help you in your choice?

Yes, it helped me. All the French who are there, are very good players. Some are in the French team (Cabaye, Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa), others will have their chance soon. When you see the great players who go there, it is for a good reason. I considered this in my decision.

If you were in the dressing room with your now ex-teammates, would you say that?

I would say, not only to them but to all Téfécé, a big thank you for all they have given me. A new page opens for me. I’m going to push myself to the max whilst never forgetting what Toulouse has given me.

 

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks