Newcastle winger Christian Atsu has been talking about how manager Rafa Benitez persuaded him to join the Magpies in the summer.
The Ghanaian international joined the Championship side on a season long loan from Chelsea back in August but the 24 year old, having already endured some difficult loan spells in England with Everton and Bournemouth in the past two years, did not think twice about joining Newcastle once he talked to the Magpies boss.
Some encouraging words from the Spaniard helped Atsu to make up his mind about making the move North. He is quoted by the Shields Gazette as saying:
“He has encouraged me and tells me to use my strongest point which is my pace and to not be afraid. He believes in what I can do.”
Atsu has only started one match for the Magpies in the league but he scored the vital goal in that game against Rotherham United in a 1-0 victory last time out. He will certainly be hoping to keep his place in the side when they face Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
