Behind-the-scenes footage has shown Anthony Gordon admitting he 'feels bad' about leaving Everton for Newcastle United.
The 21-year-old completed his move to the North East this weekend, which has seen the Blues recoup a £40million upfront fee plus £5m in add-ons. Gordon failed to show up for three days of first-team training last week as he pushed for a move, as well handing in a formal transfer request to the club.
Such developments came on the back of a summer of speculation involving the youngster, with Chelsea and Tottenham two other Premier League sides who were strongly linked. The former saw a bid in excess of £40m knocked back by the Blues, with Frank Lampard reluctant to lose a key attacking option.
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But with Lampard himself gone, Gordon has followed the 44-year-old out the Goodison Park exit door by sealing a switch to the Toon Army. The Kirkdale-born forward has received criticism from Everton supporters for the way in which he has handled himself throughout this process, though Newcastle's new recruit insisted he never intended to 'disrespect Everton' in a farewell letter he shared on social media.
Since signing for Eddie Howe's side, Gordon has been taking time to settle in to his new surroundings. Footage shot on his first day at the club has shed light on Newcastle's lengthy pursuit of the player, with Howe telling Gordon 'I've been a huge admirer of you for a long time, ever since you first burst onto the scene'.
Later greeted by goalkeeper Nick Pope, the England international reveals he checked in with his former team-mate James Tarkowski after learning of this deal being done. "I spoke to Tarks and he said to look after you and things," said Pope.
Gordon then appears to respond: "I feel bad a little bit for him", before being reassured by Newcastle's No.1: "It's part of football, geezer. I've done it!" Pope spent six years at Burnley under newly-appointed Blues boss Sean Dyche, joining the Toon Army at the start of this season following the Clarets' relegation to the Championship.
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