News. Fernandez relishing Magpies move

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Published
16 Feb 17

After his memorable home debut against Bristol City earlier this week, Newcastle United Under-23s new boy Victor Fernandez is settling nicely into life on Tyneside.

The teenage winger scored one and assisted two of United four goals in the Premier League Cup win against the Robins on Monday, and he could again feature for the Magpies in their Premier League 2 Division Two clash with Blackburn Rovers at Little Benton on Friday (12pm kick-off).

And ahead of the visit of Rovers, Fernandez told nufc.co.uk he’s enjoying life in England as he continues to adjust to his new surroundings.

“I think it’s a great club, and the people have received me very well. It’s been great,” said the 18-year-old.

“When Newcastle wanted me, I was very excited because I have always liked the English league. I think Newcastle is a club with a lot of history – I like that.

“My teammates have been very good with me, and I’m very happy about that.

“Newcastle is a very good place – I have seen the city – and my teammates have received me very well.”

The former UE Cornella man made his bow at West Brom earlier this month, before coming off the bench in the Northumberland Senior Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to North Shields.

And the style of football isn’t the only thing the youngster has had to adapt to since his arrival on Tyneside.

“Spain and England are like opposites, with the weather and these things, but I will get used to it. Here there is always clouds, and Spain is sunny all day. (I have been wearing) gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. Not in Spain, no, but here, yes!” laughed Fernandez, whose English is excellent.

“The football is different, because here it is more physical and fast and these things, but in Spain it’s more about passing, passing, passing. Also, the pitch in Spain is artificial so it’s not very heavy, and here I get tired more quickly, but I have to get used to it with time and playing.

“I think I’ve been good, but I have to improve more, and get used to English football. It’s always important to score, and getting two assists, I am happy. I hope I can do more for Newcastle.

“My purpose was not to make an impact really quickly, because I’m new and I have to get used to English football – it’s really different from Spain. I hope, little by little, I can keep doing good things here.”

Fernandez has joined up with a Magpies Under-23s squad brimming with experience, with four players from the pool having made their first team bows this term and others, like Slovenian midfielder Haris Vuckic, having a number of senior outings under their belts.

And Fernandez is hoping he can learn a lot from his new teammates as he looks to make his dream of playing at St. James’ Park a reality.

“For example, Haris and Dan Barlaser, who have played for the first team, I think are very, very good players. They are all very good, and it’s easy to play with them because they know what to do in every moment,” he said.

“I’m the youngest guy in the team, so it’s very good to play with them.

“To score some goals would be nice, but the most important thing is to do good things for the team and to help each other.

“Now I’m in the Under-23s, I have a long time to be here at Newcastle and I hope, someday, maybe I could play at St. James’.”

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