The hug and kindness that lifted Kenedy
BRAZILIAN TELLS HOW HE GOT STRENGTH FROM AN UNDERSTANDING FAN
KENEDY has revealed the act of kindness from a Newcastle United fan that gave him strength after his Cardiff City horror show.
The Brazilian’s confidence is still recovering after his nightmare display in South Wales, which saw him fail to make a single completed pass in the first 45 minutes before missing an injury-time penalty that consigned Newcastle to a goalless draw.
He was also lucky to avoid retrospective punishment on what was a day to forget for the United man.
It summed up the second loan spell so far for Kenedy, whose performances have not been at the level of his first spell – which saw fans excited about his return to Tyneside.
But anyone anxious that his heart is not in it should at least take heart from reading a feature interview in this month’s FourFourTwo magazine, in which Kenedy reveals his determination to repay the faith of United fans, and one in particular who took him to one side after the Cardiff disappointment.
“It was definitely one of my most difficult games,” he told the magazine.
“However, I prefer to focus on a great thing that happened to me that day. Afterwards, even though my performance had been poor, a Newcastle fan came up to me and gave me a hug. He just told me to keep my head high because those kind of things happen to everyone.
“He also reminded me that it wasn’t the first time a player had missed a penalty, and it wouldn’t be the last time. I found it so friendly from him to have such positive words after a tough result. That’s how I get strength to move on and improve from bad days.”
Kenedy’s return was one of the most popular moves of the summer but, as with the squad, recent performances have been below par .
But there should be no doubts that the winger is happy to be at Newcastle – and he also leaves the door open for a permanent move.
“The Newcastle fans are just amazing,” he says.
“I keep saying that actually it’s me who is the fan of them, not the other way around. They’ve been treating me well from my first day at the club. They’re all crazy about football, believe me.
“I’m happy to play for them and grateful for everyone’s affection and effort to make me feel at home. Our stadium is always full and they support us with incredible passion. They make the team stronger at home. I remember when I came here to play for Chelsea during my first season in England it was a 2-2 draw and I was impressed with the atmosphere at St James’ Park.
“Then when the opportunity to join Newcastle on loan came my way, I immediately thought back to that experience. It played a huge part in my decision to play for the club, no doubt about that.” On the influence of Rafa Benitez, he says: “There’s no doubt he can improve a player, and I believe he’s keen to improve me. “He’s always talking to me and giving me little bits of advice. He reminds me about the importance of learning English, and I know he’s right. We have a good relationship and it’s been very nice working with him. Rafa’s a winner and knows much about football. He’s one of the best managers in the game, too, so I’m lucky to work with a top-notch coach.” Kenedy is keeping an open mind as to whether to the move should be converted to a permanent one.
He said: “It’s always difficult for any player not playing every week, that’s for sure, and I’m no different. I was living the dream when I arrived at Chelsea. A youngster coming over from Brazil and getting to play in some huge stadiums with so many great players on my team, not to mention the oppositio n. “In the first year I learned a lot about English football, on and off the pitch.
“As for the future, I have a contract at Chelsea and it would be nice to get another opportunity there, but for now I prefer to enjoy the moment. “I’m happy at Newcastle and can only promise to give my best here. Then we’ll see what happens.”