Nico Gonzalez reveals rival Champions League interest - and why he chose Newcastle United
Newcastle United appear to have a bargain on their hands after signing Nico Gonzalez for £50million from Manchester City.
Nico Gonzalez has revealed he snubbed offers from Champions League clubs to secure first-team football at Newcastle United.
An impressive debut saw the Spaniard marshall the midfield as Matthias Jaissle’s men put Tottenham Hotspur to the sword. Gonzalez wowed Toon fans just days after signing for £50million from Manchester City.
He completed 58 of 61 attempted passes, highlighting the La Masia style promised to Newcastle supporters on arrival. Alongside Lewis Miley, the Magpies have two technically gifted operators at the heart of the engine room.
To make the victory sweeter, the 24-year-old outshone Sandro Tonali - who left Newcastle earlier this summer - in the middle of the park. Newcastle worked tirelessly to sign Gonzalez and he has now opened up about turning down moves elsewhere.
Nico Gonzalez reveals rival interest
“Yeah, I had other options,” he said. “I'm not going to say who I talked to. Other coaches and other Champions League teams far away, but this was the best option. I try to never have any regrets. If I go to the future and things don't work well I don't have regrets. I think this is the best move for me.”
‘They trusted me’ - Nico Gonzalez
Gonzalez also opened up about the trust instilled in him and the importance of playing every week. He added: “They made me feel like they trusted me so much. That's really important for a player. I'm 24 so I'm not old.
“I feel like I need to play every weekend and that's something that at City is really hard. I felt like here I have my chance and that's key. That was really important. When I talked last week with the coach for the first time he made me feel really important.
“That's how any player loves to feel. He made me feel the project was really exciting, a lot of young and talented players. I think we still have a lot to improve because there's so much quality in the squad.”
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