I’m no bad boy, insists Toon ace Shelvey
MIDFIELDER KEEN TO SHAKE OFF HOTHEAD LABEL
JONJO Shelvey has played down talk he could play for Barcelona – but insists his “hothead” reputation is unfair.
The midfielder hopes his on-off clashes with referees and the FA’s disciplinary panel are now behind him and he can enjoy his peak years at St James’ Park.
Shelvey signed a longterm deal earlier this year and after emerging as Newcastle’s top scorer this season has been hailed by team-mates.
It was Matt Ritchie who said he was good enough to pull on the famous Barca jersey and run out at the Nou Camp, while Danny Rose stated he would “pay money” to watch the midfielder play.
When asked if his mindset was now in the right place to succeed on the field, Shelvey said: “In the past, it probably has not been. As soon as you do one bad thing you just gain this reputation that you are a bit of an idiot.
“People who have played with me know deep down I am a good person and a good guy.
“I would do anything for my team-mates.
“I feel like I am in the right mindset now.”
Shelvey feels he has the maturity and understanding to draw a line under the player who left Swansea City in controversial circumstances and was not deemed good enough at Liverpool by some pundits.
Shelvey added: “I am 28 now and that is when players reach their peak.
“I have felt stronger and fitter in my body.
“It has put me in a better place in terms of mindset.
“Long may it continue, I can progress and carry on kicking on.
“I want to take this club as high up the table as is possible.
“I want to enjoy my football for the last three or four years at the top level, I want to enjoy my time here.”
Newcastle players are waiting patiently for a date to return to playing in the Premier League.
Project Restart could be given the green light in the coming days and Shelvey, who helped United to a 1-0 win at Southampton in their last game before the virus pandemic, is keen to pick up where he left off.
He went on: “I am itching to get back.
“When we stopped I was in good form and now I just want to get back to playing games.”
When asked if Newcastle could compete for continental competition again soon, Shelvey added: “I think we have the squad, there is some absolute quality in the dressing room.
“Every year teams add to their squads.
“I think there is enough quality in there for us to get to that level.”