Moussa Sissoko: ‘Crystal Palace bigger club than Newcastle United’

Frustratingly for the Magpies, the 26-year-old even sees Yohan Cabaye’s Crystal Palace as a bigger club.

“They were against my departure so I stayed”.

A host of clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain were said to be interested in signing Sissoko over the summer but surprisingly, the midfielder remained put at Newcastle. All that meant that the club did not foresee a transfer this summer’. Stones and Berahino were unable to leave Everton and West Bromwich Albion respectively despite handing in transfer requests.

“I am at Newcastle”. What I miss is to play leading roles.

Speaking to France Football, he said: “Today, look at those who play in my position”.

“Note that I am in Newcastle, but it is not a club of the big four”.

With Steve McClaren having taken over at Newcastle Sissoko admitted that this window could have been “a good time” to depart the north east, but is now focused on earning a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for a home tournament. He will hope to start Monday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Aleksandar Mitrovic’s Serbia.

However, sources close to St James’ Park claim it was actually QPR’s idea and that Newcastle were not keen on doing a deal.

“Now, in my opinion, there has been very good recruitment”. “There is a great team this year”.

Before adding: “No, not at all”, in regards to being unhappy at Newcastle.

When asked about his plans for next season, Sissoko was evasive. Next summer is still far away.

Sissoko joined Newcastle in 2013 and wasted no time in getting to grips with the cut and thrust of the Premier League.

It has been suggested that Sissoko is frustrated with Newcastle for taking such a stance, but the player insists that is not the case and he is happy where he is.