It is a movement that has been in the making for years, but Malick Thiaw can finally call himself a player in Newcastle United.
The 24-year-old German was confirmed as our newest signing late on Tuesday evening, after we had concluded a deal with AC Milan worth more than £ 30 million.
Thiaw has an enormous experience in the Bundesliga, Serie A and Champions League and has all the tools to be a top defender on Tyneside.
And now the former Milan man has tackled his move to the northeast for the first time, including how he has found the move so far, what ambitions he has, and his unlikely relationship with the film goal!
In his first official interview released by the club, ThiaW went into detail in detail in a few days, so that he quickly started playing a friendship with AC Milan in London to making the switch to Newcastle.
“It’s great. I am really happy to be here, to finally have made this step. I can’t wait to train with the team and see all my new teammates.”
“The interest I had known for a while, but now it really went very fast. I was at Milan in Dublin, and after the game I knew that everything was almost ready, that I could finally come to Newcastle.”
We have already seen this window the warm welcome that has been shown to Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale of the club, and how many works under Eddie Howe has influenced their respective choices to move.
Thiaw himself has now told how he was sold on the Newcastle project, and how it only fueled his excitement about accession.
“I spoke with the coach, he showed me his ambition what he wanted to do with me and the club himself. And I think Newcastle is speaking for him, what a great big club is with the fans and with the stadium. So I am really enthusiastic to become a member of this huge club.”
“He told me in the first place that he is really happy that I became a member. He has a big project here, and he wants to develop every year, he wants to win some trophies while he won last season, and I think I can be part of this team.”
After having spent his entire career on the continent so far, it would be no surprise if Thiaw just had a passing awareness of who we are. But instead, his knowledge of us stems from an unlikely source …
“I know a bit about the city. I saw some clips that I sent about the city, about the club because it’s a big club: everyone knows a bit about Newcastle. Also the movie” Goal! ” I think the first contact I got with Newcastle when I was really small. “
Fans with eagle eyes will recognize Thiaw for his appearance against us for AC Milan in the Champions League campaign 2023/24.
And Thiaw remembers the game itself well and noticed how much of a test it was for him and the Milan defense.
“It was a tough game, I think we played 0-0. I can just remember that Newcastle pressed them very hard: it was hard to get out of her back. I think 0-0 was honest for both of us.”
During his career in Milan, Thiaw liked to play with the former midfielder of Milan and the current Newcastle Maestro Sandro Tonali, and unfortunately he has not yet had the opportunity to get in touch with his old teammate since the landing in England.
“I didn’t get the time (to talk to Tonali) because everything went so fast. I had to go to Milan right away and prepare my things, my family, so I didn’t have time yet. But of course it will be a pleasure to talk to him again.”
Versatile about the entire back line, and has young people and European football experience, Thiaw ticks all the boxes for Howe and our recruitment team for those who should be a perfect transfer from the continent.
And as strong as he seems, ThiaW fully believes that Howe’s coaching can be what will take him to the next level.
“I think I’m a modern center-back: I’m good on the ball, good defender of course, I’m a long time of physicality, so yes, that’s my game.”
“I am still, as you said, very young. So I think there are generally many things to do for me, I am really open to learn a lot. To get to know the style and how he wants to play, how the Premier League is, and yes, I think he can really get me to the next level to be a top center, top center back.”
To hear how much Thiaw wanted to come to us, especially after the transfer window that we have already had this summer, there is a huge relief.
Thiaw has won the Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan and remains hungry for trophies and success, but explains how little qualification for the Champions League has actually influenced its decision to join us.
“It wasn’t the biggest factor. Of course it was fun to play Champions League, but I didn’t say my agent or someone to play Champions League. When I heard Newcastle, I said,” Yes, I really want to do it “so yes.”
“I think I’m ready. I already have a good preseason with AC Milan, so physically I am ready. Of course I have to know my teammates and all the plans, but I’m ready.”
“Of course I came here with ambitions, and Newcastle is also an ambitious club. So of course I want to play as many games as possible, to help the team to do good things in the present and also in the future.”
“Hopefully to win some things, even the Premier League, I think that is a possibility that can be achieved in the coming years. You never know.”
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