Georginio Wijnaldum says he is ‘devastated’ that he was unable to prevent Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship.
The Dutch international arrived at St James’ Park with a big reputation, joining the club from Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven for £14.5 million and has accumulated 27 caps for his national side.
The 25-year-old featured in all 38 of Newcastle’s league matches last season, scoring 11 goals but ultimately in vain after failing to help the club secure their Premier League status – something he has found tough to accept.
“In your first season if you can score 11 goals, it gives you confidence,” Wijnaldum told the Daily Mail.
“But I’m devastated that my goals didn’t help the club to survive. That’s the feeling that I have right now and I think that’s the feeling that will stay for a long time.
“It’s difficult to be happy if you’re relegated. I scored goals, but they don’t have a meaning any more because we are relegated.
“I’ve never played in this situation. I feel how it is to score but it will not help the team to survive, so I’m sad about that.”
Rafa Benitez handed the club a huge boost by committing his future to the Magpies, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal as he looks to bring the Geordies back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
But when asked whether he will also follow Benitez into the second tier of English football, Wijnaldum said: “It’s something I can’t think about. All I can say is I’m devastated that we are out of the Premier League.
“It’s hurt me a lot. First that feeling must go away and then I will see how I feel. It was devastating.”
Roma have expressed an interest in securing his services, seeing Wijnaldum as a potential replacement for Miralem Pjanic who has been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea in recent weeks.
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