Alexander Isak Says \'Not Everyone Has Full Picture\' On Newcastle Exit
Alexander Isak addressed his controversial summer move to Liverpool following Sweden\'s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Kosovo on Monday. The striker completed a Premier League-record £125 million transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day after publishing a statement demanding his departure.
Speaking to reporters after his first appearance since May 25, Isak defended his handling of the summer saga. Sources close to the situation had previously indicated the forward effectively went on strike to force through his move to Anfield.
\"It\'s clear that not everyone has the whole picture, but that\'s something for another day,\" Isak told Reuters after the match. \"That\'s part of football. I can\'t control everything that is said or written. But I\'m glad I became a Liverpool player.\"
The 25-year-old trained individually throughout the summer as tensions escalated with Newcastle management. His August social media statement declaring his relationship with the club \"can\'t continue\" sparked criticism from supporters.
\"I\'m happy and proud to be a Liverpool player. I don\'t want to go into details or talk about that situation too much,\" Isak added. \"It is a closed chapter, but I have never had any problems.\"
Isak was substituted into Monday\'s match in the final 18 minutes as Sweden fell to 95th-ranked Kosovo at Pristina City Stadium. The defeat leaves Sweden third in Group B with one point from two games.
Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson had kept Isak as an unused substitute against Slovenia on Friday, citing fitness concerns after limited pre-season preparation.
\"It\'s great that things were cleared up before the squad and that I could focus on playing football again,\" Isak concluded.