Burn: No animosity to Isak after leaving

NEWCASTLE defender Dan Burn insists there is "no animosity" to departed striker Alexander Isak. Isak effectively went on strike at St James' Park in order to force a move through to Liverpool, with a British record £125million transfer finally completed on Monday's transfer deadline day.

- By JONATHAN VEAL

NEWCASTLE defender Dan Burn insists there is "no animosity" to departed striker Alexander Isak.

Isak effectively went on strike at St James' Park in order to force a move through to Liverpool, with a British record £125million transfer finally completed on Monday's transfer deadline day.

Newcastle fans turned against him, which Burn understands, but the centre-half accepts that the Sweden international had to look after himself.

"I've been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they've got things that they want to achieve," Burn said ahead of England's World Cup qualifier with Andorra on Saturday. "So for me, happy that it's over.

"Alex is a mate, so it was tough situation because you wanted him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him, what he needs to do personally. So I've got nothing but good wishes for Alex.

"No animosity, I think as a Newcastle fan, and you know what Newcastle fans are like, we're very protective of our club, and our city.

"You want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle, and naively you don’t want them to think that there’s anywhere else to go, apart from playing at Newcastle.

"So I understand why our fans are frustrated. But as I said, I think I've been in the game long enough now to understand what goes on. I wish Alex all the best, apart from when we play Liverpool."