Former Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum says his old side deserves the success they are getting following the takeover. Wijnaldum left the club after just one season when United were relegated in 2016, joining Liverpool for £25million.
The Dutch midfielder went on to enjoy Premier League and Champions League success with Jurgen Klopp's Reds, but retains a soft spot for the Magpies. Wijnaldum famously scored four goals in a 6-2 win over Norwich City in 2016.
Wijnaldum scored 11 goals for the Magpies – all of which came at St James Park – and despite leaving after going down, Gini still remembers the passion of the fanbase. He is currently part of the Dutch squad, alongside Newcastle's Sven Botman, and was asked about Newcastle following his country's UEFA Nations League semi-final to Croatia.
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"Really happy because Newcastle is a really big team," the midfielder told reporters. "I think a lot of people underestimate how big the club is and how loyal their supporters are.
"When I was there, I saw how hard they were trying to get results and to finish as high as possible and also the fans, who were standing by the team were amazing. So I think they deserve it. How they managed it throughout the years. I think they deserve how it is going right now."
The midfielder is currently assessing his options in the transfer market, after his loan spell at Roma was mainly cut short by injury. Speculation suggests he could leave parent club PSG this summer.
"I don't know [what will happen]. I think it will be a surprise for everyone and also for me," he said. "I just see what's going to happen and what options I will get and then you're going to see what's going to happen."
