SLIM FITS BILL FOR BENITEZ Islam on cloud 9 at Toon
ISLAM SLIMANI is eyeing Newcastle’s iconic No.9 shirt – before he has even kicked a ball for the club.
The Algerian striker is on loan from Leicester until the end of the season but revealed he’d be delighted to make the move to St James’ Park permanent.
That will all depend on Newcastle retaining their Premier League status and whether Toon owner Mike Ashley, or whoever is running the club this summer, matches the Foxes’ £25m valuation. Slimani faces a late fitness test on the thigh injury which prevented him making his debut at Crystal Palace last Sunday, before boss Rafa Benitez decides whether to throw him in against Manchester United tomorrow. But after a frustrating 18 months at Leicester, the former Sporting Lisbon hitman is desperate to make his mark in the North East.
Trust
And having been in the shadows of Jamie Vardy at his parent club, Slimani is now playing for a manager who makes no secret of the fact he sees the 29-year-old as his No.1. “The big difference is that he trusts me and when you have the trust of your coach, it’s very important,” he said. “It’s not that I wasn’t trusted at Leicester, and I started well. But then I was dogged by bad health and injuries.
“Rafa Benitez phoned, we had a chat and there was a good feeling between us. To know you are wanted by someone like him is great.”
Both Dwight Gayle and Joselu have struggled for goals but their new team-mate is confident he can hit the ground running.
And he sees no reason why he can’t prolong his stay at Newcastle.
“A lot of clubs got in touch but I’m pretty sure I made the right choice because it’s a big club,” he added.
“Newcastle is very famous with world-renowned players like Alan Shearer who have been here.
“I am here to score goals and help the team and I hope I can show what I am capable of. Yes, I am just on loan at the minute but if I could stay here, I’d be very happy.”
Slimani will wear the No.13 shirt – the same number he has with his national team – but covets the one currently worn by Gayle.
“No.9 is the one that I feel the most comfortable with,” he said. “So why not?”
Slimani has been in regular contact with his compatriot and Leicester team-mate Riyad this week but insists their conversations will remain private.
“He’s my friend ahead of being a player so what we say is confidential, not football,”
he said.