
Anthony Gordon has sent a goodbye message to former Newcastle teammate Alexander Isak following his British-record transfer to Liverpool – and his decision to do so has split opinion.
The biggest transfer saga of the summer was finally put to bed on Monday as Isak got his wish with hours remaining of the window.
After refusing to play for Newcastle in a bid to force through a move, the 25-year-old must have been relieved when Liverpool arrived with a Premier League record bid worth £125 million.
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Speaking in his first interview with the club's media team, Isak said: “It’s been a long journey to get here. But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for."
He added: “I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the fans, and getting back out there.”
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Isak's conduct this summer has been questioned by many. In fact, one Newcastle player had to be 'calmed down by a compatriot' following a meeting related to Isak's future, according to the Mail.
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But hours after the move was made official and two Newcastle players offered their best wishes to the Swede.
Taking to his Instagram story, Anthony Gordon made his feelings clear. “Regardless of the situation & what’s gone on, it’s been a pleasure to play with you," he wrote.
"One of the best chemistries I’ve had on the pitch and more importantly a great person and teammate. I wish you nothing but the best brother.”
Sven Botman also commented on Isak's departure. "What started off as teammates growed in one of my rare best friendships," he said. "No more words needed brother, all the best in your next chapter @alex_Isak."
Anthony Gordon knows exactly how Alexander Isak feels
Gordon, who was heavily linked with a move to Anfield last summer, was the first Newcastle player to publicly address the saga involving Isak and Liverpool.
"I understand what Alex is going through," he told the Mail during Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia.
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"What I can say, for me, is that it’s been an absolute pleasure to be out of the transfer speculation for a summer. It’s the first time in about three years. It’s been so easy, so mentally refreshing."
"That is why I understand what Alex is going through," added Gordon. "I feel for him. He will be going through a lot. The club is going through a lot. I hope everyone gets what they want in the end."
In the interview, Gordon admitted the truth about rumours linking him back to Merseyside, and revealed it was hard for him to refocus once the deal fell through.
"It’s true, that was the case," he said. "I would never lie. It was difficult for me because one, I had the Euros, which was horrendous for me mentally. I was there, I wasn’t playing.
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"Then I had the transfer stuff. With PSR, I thought I was going to leave at some point in the window. It didn’t happen. I had to get my head around that to begin with, and then to get my head around it again was hard."
Topics: Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Transfers