NEWCASTLE UNITED HAVE described as ‘utterly untrue’ reports that Papiss Cisse is seeking a move to Real Madrid.
In The Sun today, an article surface suggesting the Senegalese striker had issued a ‘come and get me plea’ to Real Madrid.
The paper cited quotes from Cisse which turned out to be from an interview with L’Equipe, where the 26-year-old said,
“My long-term aim is to play for the biggest clubs and I want to win the Champions League. I have loved Real Madrid ever since I was a little boy.
“But I am happy for now at Newcastle. They are a big club – even though they are not a Manchester United or Manchester City.”
However, the north east club have strongly denied the link and have responded to the article (by Steve Goodman) in a statement last night which said:
“In the interview with L’Equipe, Papiss responded to a question about Real Madrid to say that he has admired the club since he was young. This in no way constitutes a ‘come and get me’ plea.
“Mr Goodman further claims that Papiss ‘insisted he hopes to join them (Real Madrid)’. Papiss has never made such a statement and refutes the suggestion in the strongest possible terms.
“The player is completely committed to Newcastle United and is not interested in anything other than ensuring he and the team finish the season as strongly as possible.”
The reaction comes as United continue to push for a place in next season’s Champions League. A position which Cisse has been instrumental in creating after joining the Magpies from Freiburg in January.
The club are evidently willing to pinch any speculation in the bud as their statement concluded,
“The matter is now in the hands of the player’s legal representatives.”
