Christian Atsu has joined Newcastle United on loan from Chelsea.
Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has admitted to the Chronicle that he has found his first few seasons in English football very difficult.
Atsu moved to Chelsea back in 2013, but he has regularly been loaned out by the London club.
Atsu has had temporary spells at both Everton and Bournemouth, but he has failed to make much of an impact at either.
The rapid winger made just five appearances for Everton in the Premier League, and he failed to make a league start for Bournemouth.
However, since moving to Newcastle, Atsu has shown some signs of promise – by scoring once in his first nine appearances.
And the Ghanian said: “I have to be honest, I’ve had a very difficult time in the English league.
“To adapt to the style of play was difficult – everything was quicker. I had little opportunity to prove myself but in football, you cannot blame anybody. You have to take responsibility.”
Atsu has generally been used as an impact substitute during his time at Newcastle so far, with his pace proving to be a useful outlet against tiring defences.
The 24-year-old did start in Newcastle’s most recent outing against Preston North End in the EFL Cup though, and he helped his loan side pick up a 6-0 victory.
Atsu looks likely to drop out of Newcastle’s team at the weekend, when Rafael Benitez takes his side to Deepdale to face Preston in Championship action.
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