I caused huge drama at Newcastle before getting my Liverpool move - I had to do it
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As the drawn-out Alexander Isak transfer saga rages on, Newcastle United supporters might be feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Chants labeling him greedy, the burning of jerseys and even fans confronting him in the streets have been clear signs of the disappointment felt by Newcastle supporters towards their star player.
The situation bears resemblance to another former favorite, Jose Enrique, who left under controversial circumstances back in August 2011, joining the Anfield side for around £6m.
Spaniard Enrique had evolved into one of England's top left-backs during his previous two seasons at Newcastle and had become a cult hero after helping them win the Championship in 2009/10.
However, much like with Isak, an unsavory transfer saga followed.
He had wanted to sign a six-year contract extension, but, contrary to what fans believed was the main reason for his push to leave, the defender was not interested in a pay rise - he wanted to lift trophies and play in Europe, which seemed increasingly unlikely.
In Isak's situation, whilst Newcastle have secured Champions League qualification like Liverpool, a considerable gap still exists between the two clubs, with Arne Slot's side dominating the Premier League last term and boasting European pedigree.
In a social media post that echoed Isak's own recent explosive statement, Enrique wrote at the time: “The club is allowing all the major players of the team to go.
Newcastle supporters felt betrayed and targeted him with hostile chants when he returned to St James' Park eight months later during Liverpool's 2-0 defeat.
“It’s good for me to address the tweet,” Enrique said to The Athletic in 2020.
Enrique thought Liverpool were more ambitious and later apologised for his post about Newcastle.
My heart told me to stay but, in my head, I felt Newcastle United did not share the same ambition.
“Leaving wasn’t about money.