Newcastle winger Christian Atsu says he has nothing to prove to Bournemouth and holds no grudges after a disappointing loan spell.
The Ghana international joined Eddie Howe’s side on loan in the 2015/16 season while he was a Chelsea player, but the move failed to work out at he made just two appearances at the Vitality Stadium.
The winger put that down to bad luck as he was suffering with injury, while Bournemouth were going well and Howe did not want to tinker with his side too much.
Atsu is now a prominent figure in the Magpies side and holds no grudges against Howe and the Cherries in general.
“I have nothing to prove to Bournemouth,” the 25-year-old Ghanaian, who was named on the 30-man longlist for the 2017 African Player of the Year award on Wednesday, told NUFCTV.
“I was unlucky there, I had a lot of injuries when I was in Bournemouth and the team was also doing well so it was difficult for the coach to change the squad.
“The blame is not on anybody. This is football so I’m just working hard now and trying to focus on Newcastle.
Newcastle host Bournemouth on Saturday. They have collected 10 of their 14 points this season at St James’ Park, including defeating Crystal Palace in their most-recent outing on Tyneside.
And Atsu believes the home supporters have played a key role in United’s success, including inspiring the winger personally with their song about him.
“We have fantastic fans behind the team, we have great team spirit and we work hard on the field,” Atsu added.
“Most teams when they come to St James’ Park are more scared of the fans. The fans give us a lot of confidence when we are playing so they have been fantastic supporting the team.
“Any time I hear the song [about me] I feel like giving more to the team and I’m grateful for what they have done for me.
“But I feel I have to give back and do more for the team. This is my first time hearing fans singing for me [at any of my clubs] and I appreciate that.”
Atsu has scored once and provided a solitary assist in his 10 Premier League appearances this season.
