Football
Michael Oti Adjei, Special to ESPN 7y

Christian Atsu non-committal on Newcastle United future

Christian Atsu is refusing to be drawn on his Newcastle United future amid reports that the Magpies have been given a week's deadline to complete a permanent deal, instead telling KweséESPN of the high regard in which he holds manager Rafael Benitez.

The Ghana international is a Chelsea player but spent the past season on loan at Newcastle, helping them reach the Premier League swiftly after their relegation from the top-flight.

The 30 games he played in all competitions for the Magpies in one loan season was more than he had managed for Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga combined in three loan spells combined. In fact, he has yet to play an official game for Chelsea since signing for them for FC Porto in 2012.

Newcastle then seem to offer him his best route into the Premier League, but he wants that subject to wait for another day. Instead, he is full of praise for Magpies manager Rafa Benitez for helping him find some stability at club level.

"He is a great manager and great man. He has been very supportive. Everyone felt very important throughout the season," he says.

"Mostly when a coach makes everything comfortable for you, you are relaxed, you work harder. He has played one of the biggest roles in my life this season. I am honestly grateful."

Atsu says he has also been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement he has received from back home during the season.

"I will like to thank everyone because they have been very supportive. I get messages every day from ordinary Ghanaians, my friends with the national team and everything. I have been very happy with the support."

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