Former Newcastle United number nine Papiss Cisse is training with Macclesfield ahead of a sensational return to English football. The 38-year-old, who spent four-and-a-half years with the Magpies, has been without a club since leaving Ligue 2 outfit Amiens.
An explosive start on Tyneside saw Cisse score 13 goals in 14 games to secure Europa League qualification under Alan Pardew. While form became patchy from then, the striker did the iconic jersey justice and has made no secret of his desire to return to England.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cisse, then 35, gave a bizarre interview from his garden, claiming he was still good enough to play in the Premier League. A montage of shooting drills was not, however, enough to convince top-flight suitors.
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"I feel good, I feel great and I'm ready to play football again in England,” he told Sky Sports. “I want to come back to stay with my family and it was a long time out and the kids, they are growing up.
"I want a challenge in the Premier League again. Everything happens in my mind and in my body. I work hard and I know it is a tough league. For me, that is no problem and I've got to be ready for it. I want to come back to England and be close with my family as well."
Two years on and Cisse is back training ahead of a dream return to English football. The Telegraph are reporting that he is training with Macclesfield, who play in the Northern Premier League.
The phoenix club of Macclesfield Town, the Silkmen have enjoyed successive promotions since their foundation in 2020. Robbie Savage is the club’s director of football while Alex Bruce, son of former Newcastle manager Steve, was appointed manager last month.
The high-profile links do not stop there, with Wayne Rooney’s brother, John, playing for Macclesfield while ex-Everton Oumar Niasse has trained in recent weeks. The report suggests Cisse is open to the idea of signing terms as he lives near the area.
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