“I think it was obvious a change was needed and I’m delighted I’ve been given the opportunity to play for Newcastle United”.
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The last six months have been a write off, and while he needs a strong end to the season if he is to claim a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad for this summer’s European Championships, his primary motivation as he prepares for his Newcastle debut at Everton on Wednesday is to remind everyone of the abilities that earned him his England call up in the first place.
29-year-old Remy may have to take a pay cut to return to the North East though, as Newcastle will not be able to afford his £85k-a-week wages. “I know how Spurs operate – I’ve been there a long time”.
“I do not look back, I always look forward and feel I am more mature than I was back then and believe fully that I can get back to a level I can play at”.
I’ve not played in the Premier League for a couple of months now. “I’m the same player and the same person that did break on the scene a few years ago and was tipped as a big England prospect”. I have faith in my ability. “If I am the best player I can be, then the England stuff will come off the back of that, but if I go onto the pitch thinking, “Oh, I really want to get in the England squad”, then that is disrespectful to Newcastle and to myself”. But I need to take baby steps. I need to focus exclusively on Newcastle and Premier League survival. “If I do that, hopefully I’ll get a few assists and help the strikers to score”.
“I hope [I can play a part in keeping them up]”.
“I am in best shape of my life and injury free and hoping Newcastle will benefit from that”.
“There was an incident but the next time I saw him we laughed about it, shook hands and just let it go”.
Townsend’s ostracism under Pochettino began shortly after he had rowed, publicly, with the club’s fitness coach, but the winger denied that was the reason he was dumped. “When you’re not playing you do suffer but the manager had no problem with me on a personal level”. He had a decision to make and at the moment, it is working out best for Spurs.
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“First and foremost I’m just focusing on getting back to playing football and getting back to showing people what I can do”.
