Yoane Wissa has admitted he rushed back from injury earlier this season, but insists he is ready to fight for his place in the Newcastle team next season.
Wissa joined the Magpies on deadline day as they looked to fill the hole Alexander Isak left as he moved to Liverpool.
It’s been far from plain sailing for the DR Congo international, who has managed to score just one Premier League goal and rumours suggest Newcastle may be willing to cash in on him this summer.
Yoane Wissa insists he is a 'soldier' as he sends a strong message to Eddie Howe
Immediately after securing his move to the north east, Wissa suffered a knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo and it significantly derailed his start to life in the Toon.
He was forced to wait until 6 December to make his debut and he has failed to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up since.
Although Wissa was sidelined for over two months, he has admitted he rushed back from injury, which may have had an impact on his form this season.
Speaking on JoelBeyaTV, Wissa said: "I didn't wait for the proper time to come back (from injury). It should have definitely been more. You just want to catch the train, but that was impossible, because my knee wasn't right."
FourFourTwo understands that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is open to Wissa's sale this summer, but the 29-year-old is determined to stay and fight for his place next season.
"I am a soldier. I will keep going. I want the fans to know the love I have for this shirt. Looking forward to next season, I understand how big this club is, I hope I'm going to do better. It's such a privilege. I just want to wear the shirt.”
Across all competitions Wissa has made just eight starts and scored only three goals.
Newcastle are currently not mathematically safe from relegation, and face Nottingham Forest and West Ham in their final four games of the season.
Both sides are fighting for their own Premier League survival and two losses to them could be catastrophic for the Toon Army.
Newcastle are next in action at home against Brighton in the Premier League.
