Georginio Wijnaldum has '˜no regrets' snubbing Everton to join Newcastle


Steve McClaren’s side take on Everton at Goodison Park tonight.
Wijnaldum captained PSV Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title last season.
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Wijnaldum, relegation-threatened United’s leading scorer with nine goals, does not regret his choice of club.
Everton, in the bottom half of the table, were also keen to sign Wijnaldum, who cost £14.5million, but the Holland international chose to move to Newcastle last summer.
Asked if he had any regrets, having swapped a title-winning team for a relegation fight, he said: “No, not at all. Of course not.
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Hide Ad“It’s a different challenge. I knew at the beginning that it could also be a tough season because last year was also a tough season.”
Wijnaldum, an international team-mate of Newcastle’s Dutch quartet Daryl Janmaat, Tim Krul, Siem de Jong and Vurnon Anita, insists he didn’t make his decision overnight.
The 25-year-old decided to sign for United after discussions with head coach McClaren – who had two spells coaching in Holland – and managing director Lee Charnley.
“I had a good feeling with the choice that I made at the time,” said Wijnaldum, whose side have spent much of the campaign in the bottom three.
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Hide Ad“I spoke with Lee Charnley and the manager, and they gave me a good feeling about coming to the club.
“It’s not like it was a choice made over a few hours.
“There were a few days and weeks when I thought about it, and then you make your decision on those feelings.
“I’m still glad I came to Newcastle. The supporters love me, and I get support from everyone at the club.”
United supporters quickly took to Wijnaldum, who scored four of his goals in one game, the 6-2 demolition of Norwich City earlier this season.
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“I don’t have regrets,” said Wijnaldum.
“This is another challenge for me, a tough challenge, and now I must show that I’m able to fight in this situation.”