Islam Slimani joined Newcastle United from Leicester City on a half-season loan.
Islam Slimani has suggested to The Chronicle that he does not care about “personal glory” so long as Newcastle United survive their relegation battle and stay in the Premier League.
The Algeria international was one of three players to join Newcastle on loan last month but arguably the most high profile of the lot, considering he cost Leicester City a record £29 million only 18 months ago.
The 29-year-old arrives into a relegation-threatened Magpies side who sit only two points above the drop zone.
Dwight Gayle and Joselu have managed only seven Premier League goals between them all season long, so there is pressure on Slimani – who hasn’t played yet due to injury – to score the goals which lead them to safety.
But the man himself has suggested that although he wants to score goals, the focus for him is ensuring that Rafael Benitez’s side remain a Premier League team beyond May.
“The most important thing for me is to win games, that comes before me scoring personally or personal glory,” he told The Chronicle.
“No matter who scores the most important thing is to win. Obviously, I want to get goals as quickly as possible but points come first.”
Slimani’s comments show that he has the right attitude to play for Newcastle.
He has a point to prove, having only scored 13 times for Leicester in all competitions since his big-money move, but it seems that his main priority is for United to stay in the top flight and Benitez needs that sort of selflessness. The Spaniard needs players who see the bigger picture and if those comments are anything to go by, he has found one in Slimani.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
