United was only it came to next
NEW BOY BOTMAN READY FOR TOP-FLIGHT CHALLENGE AFTER ST JAMES’ PARK SWITCH
SVEN Botman has given his version of events after his transfer from Lille proved to be one of the biggest dramas of the summer window.
For months AC Milan were claiming victory in the chase for the Dutchman but he has now insisted his £34million move to the Premier League boiled down just one choice – and that proved to be Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old also says he would have been open to a switch to St James’ Park last January but Lille were not prepared to sell while they remained in European contention.
Botman could only sit back and watch the speculation from Italy unfold but, after finally being declared a Newcastle player, he is simply looking forward to what lies ahead.
Speaking from Newcastle’s mini-tour of Europe, Botman said: “I read a lot in the newspapers which said: ‘Where is he going, Newcastle or Milan?’
“When I was in the season with Lille I was just playing and thinking it will come later.
“In the meantime, the clubs discussed with Lille as well and after the season I just wanted Newcastle. That was the choice.”
After Newcastle initially made their move for Botman during the winter window, he reflected: “Yes, I was speaking with the club but it was not possible.
“I am just grateful. I will try to be my best on the pitch.
“When this kind of club comes to you you know Lille is not your end destination and you can make another step. It gives you confidence and that is nice.”
Botman has now had time to get to know both boss Eddie Howe and his backroom team plus the rest of the
Newcastle squad during tours to
Austria and
Portugal.
He put in unflappable performances against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05 but will face up to Champions League material Benfica tonight here in Lisbon.
He added: “So far it has been nice, really good.
“The first few days I was new to everything so I had to adapt to a lot of things but this kind of camp has quickened up the process.”
The Premier League’s big kickoff will soon be upon us and Botman is surely a certain starter for the opener against Nottingham Forest on August 6.
After playing in Holland and France, he now gets the chance to enjoy a new challenge.
He said: “It is my first time playing in the Premier League – it is the best league in the world and it is getting stronger and stronger.
“Every team is getting the best players.
“Newcastle is not just a club
which is playing in the Premier League and sees what happens, it has a strict plan.
“The club wants to reach the top and that is something which really attracts me.
“I want to help Newcastle with the goals they have.”
Much has been made about how quickly Saudi-backed Newcastle can reach the upper echelons of the top flight. Their last venture into Europe actually ended against tonight’s opponents Benfica in 2012.
Botman is realistic about what comes next. The Dutch under-21 star said: “I think it is not possible to do it one season but in steps we will get there.”
When asked where he sees Newcastle in three or four years, he replied: “I am here at Newcastle so I hope in three or four years I am playing in Europe with Newcastle and we are a club who people always believe can finish in the top six.
“A lot needs to be done by myself and the club but with time we will get there.” Botman was nicknamed “champ” by his old club Lille but will now have to adjust to the more physical environment of the Premier League.
He added: “It is totally different here compared to Holland and France.
“The intensity is much quicker and the training is tougher.
“The pre-season is heavier. The coach is really good, he demands a lot from the players so the level is going higher and higher, which I think is really good.
“If you want to reach these kind of goals you need that level.
“I was really surprised by certain things but things are going well. I am just excited to see us play in the Premier League.”
The clubs discussed with Lille and after the season I just wanted Newcastle. That was the choice
Sven Botman