Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has backed the Magpies to reach “the top” of world football.
The Geordies were taken over by Saudi-led consortium, PIF, earlier this season. They were busy in the January transfer window, spending over £90m.
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The significant investment with Eddie Howe at the helm has steered Newcastle away from the relegation zone after failing to win any of their opening 14 Premier League matches.
Shelvey was high in praise of Howe, hailing the improved squad spirit since he replaced Steve Bruce in November.
“I love life here, Newcastle is a great place to live. I usually only do three years then move on, but I’m settled,” he told Sky Sports.
"The first thing when he came in was everyone had a sheet of paper and they had to write down their families names, wife's names, kids names and their birthdays, he wants to get to know everyone."
Jonjo Shelvey reveals what it's like working with manager Eddie Howe pic.twitter.com/VUve2BKC13
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 20, 2022
“Let’s not sugar coat it, we needed to be taken over. Everyone at the club is pulling in the one direction – the camaraderie around the place is something I’ve not seen before.
“I’ve never had a manager like this before. The first thing he did was hand everyone a sheet of paper to write down their wives’ and kids’ names, plus all our birthdays. He wants to know everything about everyone. I’m glad I’m his cup of tea and want to do everything to repay him.
“At some clubs, you get the hump if you’re not playing. Players can toss training off at times, but at Newcastle the ones not playing are in training the next day while the others recover – they’re probably fitter than those who have played the previous day.”
Shelvey did not hold back when asked about the club’s ambitions.
“This club will be massive. I’m talking PSG and Man City massive,” he said. “It’ll take time, and it’s a building process, but Newcastle can go to the top. We just all need to be patient. All I want is to be a part of the process.”
The former Swansea midfielder is out of contract at the end of next season and is eager to sign a new deal.
“I want to show the club that I warrant a couple more years,” he added. “I’d happily hold my hands up and say I don’t deserve to be here if I felt I can’t play at this top level anymore, but I want to stay as long as I can and be part of it all.”
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