New player integration off the pitch.... and one standout star...

http://www.themag.co.uk/the-mag-articles/sissoko-a-star-on-and-off-the-pitch/?

I had an interesting conversation last night with somebody inside the club and asked which of the new players is making the most effort to get up to speed and learn the language.

The great news is that all of the January signings are doing their best to get up to speed but even better, what is looking the real star signing, Moussa Sissoko, has been demanding extra English lessons from the tutor the club have provided.

Apparently Moussa at every opportunity where he can fit an extra lesson in, is on the phone asking to meet up and learn the lingo.

Some of you may think so what?

However, in my book there are people who are driven to succeed in life and while some can get to where they want to be through pure talent, when you have somebody who has that talent PLUS the extra drive and commitment, it can be a potent combination.

We also have the backdrop of so many players, both from home and abroad, who have landed on Tyneside and only interested in taking as much money for as little return as possible.

We have seen Sissoko’s energy and drive on the pitch, so he deserves an extra pat on the back for his off the field commitment as well.

With players such as Yohan Cabaye and Sissoko inside the club I don’t think we’ll go too far wrong.

 

It's great credit to Carr that he does his research off the pitch too.
Yet another reason to look at Sissoko as potentially one of our best signings of recent years... the guy is immense..!!

 

Good on Sissoko, looks like he means to stay.

 

Cabaye could do with a few extra lessons judging by last nights interview.

 

Sissoko...... what an absolute steal for you guys, seriously jealous that you got him and at such a cheap price.

 

Great to hear that he seems like a player who isn't going to channel his inner Marcelino anytime soon.

 

Yeah lost in translation! My favourite bit was when he answered a question that wasn't asked and threw in the classic "what Stevie said.........." Good on Sissoko.

 

**** me lads.
The guy is giving an interview in a foreign language - how many of us could do that in English, never mind Feench/German/Spanish/Whatever?!