Defender recognises players have “things they want to achieve” but understands Newcastle fans’ frustration
Newcastle defender Dan Burn has said he holds no grudges towards Alexander Isak following the striker’s record-breaking move to Liverpool.
The Sweden international switched to Anfield on deadline day for £125m, the highest fee ever paid by a British club for a player.
The move ended a tense summer saga in which Isak had a stand-off with Newcastle after making clear his desire to leave St James’ Park, with the player missing pre-season and Newcastle’s opening matches.
Burn stressed that despite all the controversy, he and the rest of the Magpies still considered Isak a friend and recognised that players had to think about their careers.
“I have been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they have got things they want to achieve,” said Burn.
“Alex is a mate and it is a tough situation because you want him to be around and helping the team, but I also understand for him what he needs to do personally. There is no animosity.”
Burn is a boyhood Newcastle supporter and was part of the team’s youth setup, before being released at the age of 11 and then returning when he signed from Brighton in January 2022. The 33-year-old said he understood why the fans felt betrayed by Isak.
“As a Newcastle fan, we are very protective of our club and city and we want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle,” said Burn.
“You don’t want them to think that there is anywhere else to go apart from play at Newcastle. So I understand why our fans are frustrated.
“But I have been in the game long enough to understand what goes on and I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously.”
