Nico Gonzalez: Leaving Manchester for Newcastle was the best decision I could have made

Nico Gonzalez has opened up on his start to life at Newcastle United, insisting leaving Manchester City and moving to Tyneside was the best decision he could have made.

The Spanish midfielder joined the Magpies from City in August for a deal worth up to £50m including add-ons, signing a long-term contract after 18 months at the Etihad. He has now spoken to Sky Sports about his move and his former club.

Nico loving life at Newcastle

Gonzalez has quickly settled into life on Tyneside and has made no secret of how impressed he has been with Newcastle, the club and the supporters.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie at The Knox, the 24-year-old explained why he believes the move was the right decision for his career, while also stressing that enjoying his football and continuing to improve is more important than simply playing for the biggest club possible.

“It was a huge opportunity for me. I was obviously at a top, top club, but I think Newcastle has been amazing the last years and has even more potential. So I think we’re a top team and I’m enjoying it so much!

“At the end, I think the most important thing is not about you have to be in the best club, the most important thing is enjoying football and trying to become the best player you can…”

He also reflected on his departure from Manchester and the reception he received when he arrived at St James’ Park.

“Leaving Manchester, coming here, and feeling that welcome from Newcastle fans, it was the best decision I could have ever made - and I think life here is amazing and I’m enjoying it so much!”

That welcome was certainly something to remember, with Gonzalez unveiled to a packed St James’ Park before the Carabao Cup win over West Brom just hours after completing his move.

Gonzalez quizzed on Man City controversy

Naturally, Gonzalez was also asked about the ongoing situation surrounding Manchester City and the Premier League charges against his former club.

The midfielder made it clear that he feels for the people he worked with during his time at the Etihad, while admitting that he is not in a position to comment on what punishment, if any, should follow.

“That’s something I always didn’t like, not knowing what’s going to happen in future. Obviously I feel bad for them and not only them, some staff, people that work behind the scenes. I feel bad because I think for everyone it must be a really hard situation.”

“I really want them to succeed, not only my old teammates but people that work there. I had a year and a half there and built so many connections, so many relationships, and I will always wish them the best personally.

“But obviously I’m just a player, I can’t say this has to be the punishment or there has to be a punishment. So I just wish them personally - everyone that I’ve been around - the best, but the club… I don’t know what to say because I’m not aware of everything. I’m just outside, I can’t say anything…”

It is understandable that Gonzalez would have mixed emotions given the relationships he built during his time at City.

But his focus is now firmly on Newcastle, where he has been brought in to play a major role in rebuilding a midfield that lost both Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali during the summer.

And judging by these latest comments, Nico already feels very much at home on Tyneside. Hopefully now we can see his best form in a black and white shirt after his superb debut at Spurs was followed by a few below-par performances.