UPDATE: Yoane Wissa made a thrilling debut for Newcastle United today, igniting the crowd at St James’ Park during a match against Burnley. The £55 million forward, who had been sidelined for 88 days due to a serious knee injury, stepped onto the pitch with just 15 minutes left, marking a moment he had visualized daily since signing with the club.
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Wissa reflected on the significance of his return. “It has been a long wait for me, for the fans, and for my family,” he told Chronicle Live in the mixed zone after the match. “I dreamed of this all summer, and when it finally happened, you feel like you are living the dream.” The warm reception gave him “goosebumps,” a testament to the connection he feels with the Newcastle supporters.
Wissa’s journey to this moment was anything but easy. After transferring from Brentford, he faced a grueling rehabilitation process, spending 11 weeks in recovery at Benton. “The first four weeks were strange because I was new to the place,” Wissa admitted. “But in the end, I am happy to be ready.” His determination shone through as he worked tirelessly to return to fitness, which he described as “frustrating” especially towards the end of his recovery.
When he finally received the call to join the action, Wissa was ready to make his mark. Despite only having 10 touches during his debut, he contributed to Newcastle’s narrow victory, ensuring a winning start to his time with the club. “It was not about me today; we won, and that is the most important thing,” he emphasized, looking ahead to future matches.
Fans at St James’ Park witnessed a heartwarming moment as Wissa celebrated from the sidelines before making his long-awaited appearance. “I was on the touchline watching. I celebrated the goals. Now that I’m back on the pitch, I hope we’re celebrating my goals, assists, and tackles as well,” he expressed, clearly eager for the challenges ahead.
As Newcastle fans continue to rally behind their new star, Wissa’s debut not only highlights his personal triumph over adversity but also sets the stage for an exciting chapter in his career. With his passion and dedication, Wissa is ready to help propel Newcastle United to new heights. Fans and teammates alike are looking forward to seeing more from him in the upcoming matches.
