Aarons: I’m fit again and raring to go
ROLANDO AARONS has welcomed the competition for places at Newcastle United and is looking forward to battling for a place in Rafa Benitez’s starting XI.
The 21-year-old missed last season’s Championship-winning campaign after suffering an ACL injury and has been working his way back to full fitness ever since.
But the youngster feels he is now ready to force his way into Benitez’s plans and is determined to play as many pre-season fixtures as he can to prove to the Spaniard he is ready for firstteam action.
Speaking to Newcastle United’s club website, Aarons said: “You always have competition at a club like this and this season is no different and I look forward to the competition that will bring the best out of me.
“I’ve been doing a bit of training off season to get me ready for pre-season so it’s been quite a busy period. I had to strengthen my knee to make sure that it obviously doesn’t happen again, so I’ve been working hard in the gym over the summer to make sure.
“I was getting better towards the end of the season and I didn’t really want to slow down with the eight weeks we had off, so I’ve just kept doing what I needed to do, so I can maintain and improve. I feel good, I feel strong and ready for the season.
“I’m looking to establish myself, play every game and take that into the season because I want to play for Newcastle United. I’m not worried about last season, I’m just focusing on this season and player every game.”
Aarons has spent most of the last few months training by himself in order to make sure he is ready for the new season and says that he’s happy to be back in the company of his team-mates again.
“Been good to see the boys, get into the team mode again because I was doing a lot of work by myself so it’s just been good to be around the boys in training – they’re good lads and the training room has got good energy. It’s good to be back.”
“The boys are excited for the season, backing the Premier League, you can it around the training ground over the last few days. I’m buzzing and just taking it day by day.”