New Delhi, Sep 9 : Alexander Isak defended his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool, saying “not everyone has the full picture” of the move.
The Swedish striker joined the Premier League champions on deadline day in a deal worth £125 million. The fee set a new British transfer record. He signed a long-term contract and will wear Liverpool’s No.9 shirt.
Isak wanted to leave Newcastle and skipped pre-season training. The standoff created friction with manager Eddie Howe. It also turned many Magpies’ supporters against him.
His first appearance of the season came for Sweden, not Liverpool. He came on as a substitute in their 0-2 loss to Osovo.
“Not everyone has the full picture, but that’s for another day,” Isak told Swedish media. “I can’t control everything said or written. I’m just happy to be a Liverpool player. It helped that the move was done before the national camp so I could focus on football again.”
He added, “It was a new experience for me, but you always learn and grow mentally off the pitch.”
Newcastle filled the gap by signing Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade. Wissa’s arrival also drew controversy, as he forced a move.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton slammed both Isak and Wissa.
“Players sign contracts. People in daily life sign contracts. You must honour them. What they did is disgraceful,” Sutton said on BBC.
He added, “Eddie Howe gave so much to Isak’s career, yet he showed total disrespect. Newcastle now have Wissa, who behaved the same way.”
Liverpool fans now await Isak’s debut in red, as the club defends its Premier League crown.
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