London (AFP) – Newcastle United’s France international midfielder Moussa Sissoko hopes to complete a move to Real Madrid before the end of the transfer window, he said on Thursday.
“I hope Real will come for me. I’m still waiting,” Sissoko told the BBC World Service radio station.
“If Real Madrid are interested in you, then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player.”
Sissoko, 26, caught the eye with some impressive performances for hosts France during Euro 2016, notably in their extra-time defeat by Portugal in the final.
Newcastle were relegated to the Championship last season and Sissoko has made it clear that he does not want to play in England’s second tier.
Newcastle have not accepted any offers for the former Toulouse player, whose contract still has three years left to run.
His stance has angered the club’s fans, but Sissoko said: “They need to understand, I spent three and a half years here.
“I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games. For that I need to go somewhere else.
“I want to play in the Premier League, I want to play for a big club who can get into the Champions League. That’s why I said I want to leave this year.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here and now it’s time to look forward. The fans need to understand my situation. I hope they will and that everything will be OK.”
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season