Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame has thrown fresh speculation on his Magpies future after discussing his contract situation.
The 31-year-old has been a regular for Rafael Benitez’s side once again this season, but he is out of contract at the end of the campaign and talks over a new deal remain in limbo.
Now he’s had his say: “I’m trying to enjoy the games as much as I can, because it could be the last one,” he told the Northern Echo. “I’m just trying to enjoy – that’s it. Then we’ll see what will happen.
“I’ve always said I’m happy here playing for this club and these fans. But this is football, and you have to deal with it. If I stay, I will be happy, and if I don’t stay, I will be happy somewhere else. That’s it.”
OPINION
The Diame situation has become a bit of a complicated one at Newcastle. Obviously Rafael Benitez’s future is the major priority on Tyneside and so that needs to get sorted before any player moves can really be focused upon. Diame is someone who could well be on his way out this summer if something doesn’t get sorted out soon, which would be a bit of a surprise considering how regularly he’s played this season. However, he seems pretty prosaic about the situation. If he stays at St James’ Park then he’ll be happy, but if he has to move on then he will welcome that scenario as well. From a Newcastle point of view it’s probably worth keeping him around amid the uncertainty surrounding his fellow central midfielders Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden. However, if he wants too much money or too long a deal then it’s probably best to cast him aside. He’s not a crucially important player and so if he leaves it won’t be the end of the world. However given his situation, no wonder he is treating every game like his last.
