Kenedy keen to help Newcastle win battle against relegation

Kenedy keen to help Newcastle win battle against relegation

New signing Kenedy is ready to roll up his sleeves and play a part in Newcastle’s fight for Premier League survival.

The 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder finally completed a loan move to St James’ Park last week six months after manager Rafael Benitez had missed out on a similar deal.

He arrived with only five senior appearances for the Blues under his belt to date this season, all of them in the domestic cup competitions, and desperate to prove his worth.

The former Fluminense player said: “I will do my best because it’s a big opportunity. I want to grab this opportunity and all that comes with it.

“I will do my best on the field and I hope I can help my colleagues to get the team out of this situation.”

Benitez first tried to sign the youngster, who can play as a winger, a wing-back and through the middle, last summer but was unable to get the deal done.

However, he persisted and has now got the chance to work with a man he believes can make an impact as the Magpies attempt to drag themselves away from the wrong end of the league table with only one point currently separating them from the drop zone.

The chance to work with the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was one Kenedy could not turn down, and he is confident his football education will continue under the Spaniard’s tutelage.

He said: “Rafa is an excellent coach and I think he will help me a lot. I intend to learn a lot at this club. He was excellent when I talked to him before coming here and I think he will help me a lot.

“He had a big role in the decision.”

Kenedy also spoke to Newcastle’s former Chelsea winger Christian Atsu before agreeing to head north, but had no hesitation in doing so after hearing what he had to say.

He said: “He said Newcastle is a great club, that they are all united – it’s like a family – and that he felt really welcome here.”

Kenedy could get his chance when Burnley arrive at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening and having had to remain patient at Stamford Bridge, will await anxiously the arrival of the teamsheet.

He said: “I want to play, but it’s the coach’s decision, so we’ll have to wait for his decision. But my desire is to play.”

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