And, after making a return to action as a second-half substitute at Arsenal on Tuesday eveing, Turkish international Emre was keen to refute recent newspaper reports which suggested he wants to manufacture a move away from Tyneside and back to former club Galatasaray.
Instead, Emre insists he is all too ready to fight for his place in the Newcastle starting line-up.
Let’s see what Emre has been saying – it’s all very positive stuff.
Emre – very willing to fight for his place at Newcastle
Emre told Newcastle World TV today:
“I broke my ankle in April and then got a small groin injury with Turkey and it has been a very frustrating five months,” “But I’m very happy to be back playing. Now I have to fight for my fitness and work hard in training which I have always done.â€
“Last season I was very confident and played well. I know when I play the supporters like me and I like them too very much.
“I know if I play well I will get chances and I am determined to do that.†“I saw them (the newspaper reports), but I did not say anything and I do not know why newspapers write things like that.â€
“I’m very happy to stay here and I have three more years on my contract.â€
“I like Newcastle and I like the supporters and I will always try my best when I play.”
Well it just shows you how mischievous some of the newspaper stories are – but we ran the story only because Emre was quoted so we though it was true. Also the president of Galatasaray was also quoted – just shows you nothing is sacred with these types of stories. We on the Newcastle United Blog really have to be very careful about what is true and not because sometimes it’s really difficult to know and we do not want to publish rubbish – but truth. How many papers report the story seems to have no bearing on whether they are true or not.
Anyway – we are really pleased to hear these words from Emre – his attitude seems excellent and it sure seems Big Sam is having a positive impact on almost all his players at the club. It’s good that Emre is in the squad for Man City on Saturday and that competition for places in United’s central midfield is really hotting up – we are very pleased to report. We don’t think Emre will start tomorrow but like in our game against Arsenal he will be brought on at some important time during the game – because he certainly has something different to contribute to the team – creativity and skill.
The former Galatasaray youngster even feels that strength-in-depth is the key to our success this season – as he continued:
“We have a big squad now and that is important,”
“I think we are a good team away from home now and the Man City game is big because we are close in the league.â€
“We have to forget about Arsenal and show the spirit we did against West Ham.”
Finally, as an update – Emre has been called-up to the Turkey squad for next month’s European Qualifier double-header, for the game in Moldova on Saturday, October 13 and the clash with Greece in Istanbul four days later. We hope he survives these two games because he has a history of getting injured while playing for his country. Turkey lies third in Group C and are level on points with second-placed Norway and two behind group-leaders Greece. The top two teams in each group will qualify for next summer’s Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
We think this interview shows a great attitude from Emre – and we are pleased he seems committed to the club and doesn’t take a first team place for granted and is willing to fight for his place 😀
What do you think?
Comments very welcome.
10 comments so far
Rich
Sep 28, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Comment #1Really really hope Emre means that!! I think hel be determined to show what he can do this year and cant wait too see the best of him, his skill, vision and passing is great when hes on form, him and Barton at full strength in the centre would scare a lot of teams
Ed Harrison
Sep 28, 2007 at 5:24 PM
Comment #2Rich – good point – we’ve got to believe he means it – actually if you look at things he’s said in the past it’s all been positive from him – and he’s always been complimentary about the club. NUFC now treat their players better than ever – and of course the fans are the very best.
So why do players ever want to leave ? 😀
Callum
Sep 28, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Comment #3ED – Money is the reason players want to leave 🙂
Their agent comes in saying “This club offers X amount more then what you have now”
Dingo
Sep 28, 2007 at 9:33 PM
Comment #4“his attitude seems excellent and it SURE seems Big Sam is having a positive impact on almost all his players at the club. ” – hahaha Ed…… you may be a geordie but I have the feeling that you have been a little Americanised mate!! 😛
(tongue n cheek) 😛
Ed Harrison
Sep 28, 2007 at 9:36 PM
Comment #5Dingo – think you’re right it does come out sometimes 😀
Ed Harrison
Sep 28, 2007 at 9:37 PM
Comment #6Dingo – American Geordie – but hey you’d be surprised how many people over here know all about Newcastle United – get to win the premiership and there’ll be a lot more – that has to be our aim.
leo
Sep 28, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Comment #7yeah i visited friends in atlanta and new york for a month and they all knew about the city and the football team, hope that it keeps up growing on.
NashvilleGeordie
Sep 29, 2007 at 4:25 AM
Comment #8I am wearing Newcastle jersey right now. There are many faithful in many places, all hoping we absolutely take apart Man City…although I might settle for a clean sheet.
What is the group’s opinion of Steven Taylor’s form and when is his contract going to be extended/renewed?
Lamesley Mag
Sep 29, 2007 at 8:25 AM
Comment #9Emre is a cracking midfield player on his day and with the right support can upon the best defenses. If we keep him free from injuries, he can blossom into a good PL player.
Ed, think you’re spot on buddy; i.e. BSA to start with Butt and Gerami, bringing on Emre in second half.
PS: Used to be a Washington State Mag, watching Bobby Robson’s young side from the Tri-Cities and Seattle…..
Dingo
Sep 29, 2007 at 9:20 AM
Comment #10@ Ed…. I know my sister lives in Portland for the last 5 yrs and before that 15 in LA, I always call her a born again American! :P….I have delivered many shirts on my travels to n fro. Also my accent seems to excite the girls over there…
i was once offered 300 bucks for my Newcastle shirt in LA (just off Sunset) with the brown ale logo on it…. I didnt sell and we put 5 past Man U 3 days later… its my lucky shirt now 😛
keep up the good work mate… a lot us have found a home here… thanks.