Loris Karius considering Newcastle United exit due to relationship with Italian TV presenter
Newcastle United may lose backup stopper Loris Karius as Italian sides catch his eye
Newcastle United goalkeeper Loris Karius admits he could swap the Premier League for Serie A in the near future after the birth of his first child. The shot-stopper will get the chance to see Italy once again next week as the Magpies jet off for their first Champions League outing of the campaign.
Karius already knows Milan well due to his partner, Italian TV presenter and journalist, Diletta Leotta living in the city in recent years. The couple recently welcomed their daughter Aria into the world, with the Newcastle star admitting the distance has been an issue in recent months.
“It is a possible solution, which I consider," Karius told Corriere del Sella when asked about a possible Serie A switch. "It could happen in the future.
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"As a child I followed Inter, Milan and Juventus matches on TV. But I don’t want to move only based on Aria and Diletta. I’m waiting for a good job opportunity.
“Most of the time we are distant, of course. We talk a lot on the phone, we make video calls with FaceTime. Diletta comes to visit me as soon as she can, but it’s not easy.”
Karius' short-term deal at St James' Park was expected to expire in the summer with the former Liverpool star only featuring once for Eddie Howe's side after being drafted in as initial injury cover. Newcastle instead decided to offer the 30-year-old a further extension, despite Leotta's public desire for her partner to join her in Italy.
“Selfishly yes, but, at the same time, I wish him the best in his career," she said earlier this year when asked if she wanted Karius to move to Serie A. "We're talking about a boy who has always known how to get back up.
“I don't deny that it would be nice to see him play near me, perhaps around Milan or in Lombardy or in Liguria. It would be much more comfortable than in Newcastle."