Papiss Cisse Says He's Finally "Ready To Play" - And Is NOT Leaving Newcastle

The Senegalese striker is determined to stay on Tyneside this summer.

by Chris Waugh
Papiss Cisse believes he is now finally fit and "ready to play" for Newcastle United - and insists he is going absolutely nowhere this summer. The Senegalese striker has been linked with a move to Turkish sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor in recent months, but the 30-year-old claims he is "happy" to stay at St James' Park, even despite Aleksandar Mitrovic's arrival from Anderlecht. Interestingly, Cisse netted 11 times in just 11 Premier League starts last season, but the forward admits he has only just returned to full fitness - and believes that is the reason he was sharpest to react to his goal in the 2-2 draw with Southampton on Sunday.
Speaking to The Chronicle after the game, Cisse said:
"I have a contract at Newcastle United. I need to be professional every time I play. I don€™t have a team to leave to. "I am a Newcastle player. I try to work hard in every game I get. "I am pleased to be on one goal after one game (against Southampton) - people say it€™s easy, but I always say: 'I need to be right in there.' "Massadio (Haidara) put the cross in and it was an easy finish, but you have to be in there. I am a striker and I have to be in the right place at the right time."
Replaced in the 74th minute by Mitrovic, Cisse left the field to a standing ovation from the St James' faithful. And the Senegalese striker spoke of his pride after being applauded off the pitch (The Chronicle). He continued:
"It€™s fantastic and I can€™t say enough to these people how much I appreciate it - I am always happy to play at this stadium. "Last year was very, very hard for me. I had injuries and I was in and out the team. I always keep my smile, though. "I stay happy because I knew one day I€™d come back ready - now I am ready to play."
CLICK HERE to read the Match Report from Newcastle United 2-2 Southampton.And CLICK HERE to read the Player Ratings from the game.Finally, CLICK HERE to read "10 Things We Learned From The Game".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
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Contributor

NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.