‘Mini-Rodri’ Gonzalez shown he will be loved at Newcastle

Nico Gonzalez wanted to feel loved. He quickly got his wish at St James’ Park on Wednesday night after completing his £52m move from Manchester City.

Newcastle United’s new signing was handed a rapturous welcome before he even kicked a ball for the club as supporters repeatedly chanted his name.

The sight of Gonzalez walking out at the sold-out stadium before the 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup second round was a welcome one for head coach Matthias Jaissle, who desperately wanted him.

The German stressed he was “always a believer in the positive things”, but tellingly also referred to the pursuit as a “long fight”.

Having spoken personally to Gonzalez on a number of occasions, Jaissle made it clear how much he wanted the 24-year-old and how pivotal he would be in his side.

That stuck with him.

“It’s always important if you’re making signings like Nico that there is a commitment there,” Jaissle said.

“But he showed that from the beginning, from our first conversations.”