Newcastle yesterday shook off the challenge of Liverpool, 1- 0, and to start the year in the best possible way, you notched the Magpies’ winning goal. After all your recent troubles, that must have done you the power of good.

I tell you, I was really psyched up before the match. I wanted to draw a line under the past 12 months and forget all the difficulties I’d had. I’ve had injury setbacks and other things besides which were quite serious. But the last few days have really helped. Newcastle got past Liverpool, we’re still well placed in the table (4th with a home game against Bolton in hand, 8 points behind Arsenal) and, moreover, I scored the winning goal. Brilliant!

When you scored did you go wild with joy?

I was particularly pleased to show that the work I’d put in on the training ground had paid off. I hadn’t had any joy with my shooting since my return, couldn’t make them count. Then I was given the chance to take the free-kick. I knew I was capable of scoring and hope to keep proving that in the coming games.

How was your overall performance?

In the middle of the park, Clarence (Acuna) played really well. He looked after the left-hand side really well which allowed me to stay a bit further forward. We were really comfortable and I really enjoyed myself for the whole game. I congratulate Clarence again as, thanks to him, I feel I’ve rediscovered my form.

Like last year, you’re the surprise package in the title race.

Yes, and that’s why I came to Newcastle. They bought me to give something extra to the team and I intend to strive to continue to play like I did yesterday. I feel good again but the understanding between Clarence and I was excellent. It opens up more options for the remainder of the season.

What impact have you had in England as a whole?

If you want news on Newcastle, you buy the local paper. If not, its fairly thin on the ground. I find that a shame as Newcastle is a huge club. This club has some history but like in France, we are not talked about to a great extent.

And this week, you’ve been in the news but not always the back pages…

During my first year at Newcastle, a certain journalist saw me as a very important part of the team. This year, I don’t know what’s happened but I’ve become a target. With our defeat at Bolton, he went too far with what he said. He stated that I didn’t know what it meant to wear the Black and White shirt of Newcastle. When that sort of accusation is levelled at me, it is not on at all. I accept criticism of my performances but when someone makes that type of outburst, I see red. So I went to see him to tell him so. But contrary to what has been said, there was no attack. I wish you a Happy New Year. Speak to you next week.

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