Santiago Munoz says he has 'no regrets' over his 18-month loan spell at Newcastle United after returning to Mexican outfit Santos Laguna. The 20-year-old was plagued by injuries during his spell on Tyneside and amassed just nine appearances for the under-21s.
He has worked his way back into the senior set-up at Santos Laguna after initially starting the campaign with their under-20 side as he recovered from a long-term injury layoff.
Five of his six matches in Liga MX have come from the bench, but Munoz believes he can use has time at Newcastle as a valuable lesson for the next chapter in his career.
READ MORE: Saint-Maximin's message, Howe's full-time gesture and Toney left panicked in Newcastle win
“There was a lot of talk for 18 months, some people agreed with the move, many people disagreed. But for me personally, it helped me a lot," Munoz told 90min.
"I take it as a lesson, something very positive for me and now I have to apply it with Santos. I realized what I am capable of doing at that moment and of course I don't regret anything, far from it."
Munoz arrived in Newcastle with pedigree at youth level having scored five goals during Mexico's triumphant 2019 CONCACAF U17 Championship. He was also handed the Goal of the Tournament award as he helped his nation finish runners-up at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
However, Munoz scored just once for the Magpies at under-21 level during a 4-3 victory over West Brom in March 2022. Newcastle didn't take up the option to convert his loan into a permanent deal, although he did represent the first team during a pre-season friendly victory over Athletic Bilbao in August last year.
READ NEXT
Newcastle's half-time masterstroke, £83m dream team unleashed and Ivan Toney taunt - 5 things
Brentford 1-2 Newcastle United player ratings: Isak, Pope and Trippier impress in huge win
Brentford 1-2 Newcastle United: Magpies show their Champions League mettle with brilliant recovery
Anthony Gordon situation explained by Eddie Howe after angry reaction to being subbed
Callum Wilson accepts ruthless Eddie Howe call that cost him elusive Newcastle United hat-trick
