Newcastle United have shone superbly during the months since the January transfer window, where a number of players have been revitalised at St. James’ Park and have led the Magpies towards Premier League safety.
One of those is England international Jonjo Shelvey, who scored his first league goal of the season in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City and has rekindled a superb partnership in the heart of midfield alongside Mohamed Diame.
Speculation in January suggested the former Liverpool man could have been on the move though, with David Moyes looking to bring the 26-year-old to West Ham, but Shelvey has insisted his goal was always to force his way back into the side.
Quoted by The Daily Star, six-cap Shelvey said:
“When Rafa came to the club, he chopped and changed and I found myself out of the team. But I went away that summer and got myself properly fit and came back with a totally different attitude in terms of trying to learn from him.”
“He signed me for Liverpool but I never actually got to work with him. It was more a case of wanting to stay here and get this club back to the Premier League because they paid a lot of money. So it was about returning the favour and hopefully I can stay here for many years now.”
Shelvey’s comments also suggest he won’t consider an exit if the Hammers, or another side, return in the market for his services at the end of the season.
