Former Newcastle midfielder Chris Waddle has questioned the criticism of Moussa Sissoko after the French midfielder expressed his desire for a move away from the Championship club.
Sissoko performed superbly in the Euro 2016 final against Portugal leading many fans to ask why he wasn’t able to play with such ability in a Newcastle shirt. Some have suggested that his performances for France were designed to angle for a move away from St James Park but Waddle told the Evening Chronicle, the midfielder was simply performing for his country, and that you couldn’t blame the 26 year old for wanting a move back to the Premier League:
“He’s playing for his country, not a move… It’s not just down to him though. I think there are many more reasons as to why Newcastle got relegated than Moussa Sissoko. He’s not a match-winner. He’s an honest player. He’s not a great goalscorer so I wouldn’t say Newcastle’s downfall last season was purely down to him…..Some players want to play in the Premier League. If Sissoko plays well at this tournament and gets a move for it, then fair play to the lad.”
Sissoko has been linked in the press with the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks. It has been reported that Newcastle want £35million for the Frenchman but Rafa Benitez has declared he wants to keep the midfielder this summer.
