A FORMER Newcastle star “who lived the dream” at his boyhood club is still a regular at training despite now being unemployed.
Sean Longstaff has been tipped for an England call-up by Toon boss Eddie Howe due to his recent performances in the Premier League and Champions League.
4
Former Newcastle starlet Matty Longstaff is now unemployed aged 23 Credit: PA
4
Sean Longstaff is currently doing that for the Magpies under Eddie Howe. Credit: Getty
The midfielder (25) is often cheered on from the stands by his younger brother Matty (23) and the rest of his family.
However, his brother could very well have grabbed the headlines against Paris Saint-Germain following his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first team.
Matty burst onto the scene in October 2019, making his debut as man of the match and scoring the only goal of the game in a 1–0 win over Manchester United.
At the time he was earning just £850 a week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature.
Italy’s Inter Milan and Udinese were reportedly interested, as were French giants Marseille.
Speaking to Sport Bible, Matty said: “Out of nowhere, you suddenly become this hot thing and everyone is talking about you, making offers or seeing if you’re interested.
“It was strange, really. I went from playing U23 football to having clubs from all over the world trying to sign me.”
With his development deal set to expire in 2020, Matty was forced to make a decision on his future after three goals in 15 appearances during his first campaign.
FREE BETTING – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
He said: “A few teams have been sniffing around. Udinese was the job that was offered, but again, it was strange.
“At the end of that season, Covid happened. The world simply stopped. You never really knew what was going to happen.
“I was in the middle of contract negotiations. My heart was in Newcastle though.
“After what I just did, there was no way I wanted to leave, but Udinese made an offer. We talked to them, but with the pandemic and everything that was going on, it was a strange time.
“I spoke to other teams, but when your heart is with the club and you’re still so young, I just couldn’t see beyond Newcastle. You think it will stay that way.”
However, then began an unfortunate spiral that has led to him being unemployed today after finally agreeing a two-year contract.
A drop in form and injuries limited his progress and he failed to shine on loan at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield.
He went down to the fourth tier again last season to try to revive his career at Colchester United, but suffered an ACL injury on Boxing Day.
4
Matty Longstaff endured an injury nightmare while on loan at Colchester last seasonCredit: Getty
“You go from the top to the bottom,” Matty said. “I guess Sean and I both experienced that.
“When Sean first came to Newcastle he was flying. He was talked about everywhere, and then suddenly he was at the bottom and it was similar to me.
I came through, I was very good and then they sent me out on loan before I finished at the bottom.
“That’s football. It’s just one of those things. You have your ups and downs.
“When I was breaking through, I was at the top and at the minute, I’m probably at the bottom with injury and stuff, but I guess when you’re there, there’s only one place you can go.
“I’m really motivated to come back. I want to be a top player.”
Geordie was sacked by Newcastle in June when his contract expired and now loves going there as a supporter to watch Sean – but the Magpies haven’t turned their backs on him.
He added: “The club have been amazing with me throughout.
“They’ve allowed me to stay nearby and do my rehab, which means I have top physiotherapists looking after me every day. If I need extra help in the field, the staff will always be there.
“They will often ask me how I am mentally, and they will continue to treat me as if I were one of their players.
“It just shows how good of a human being they are. Everyone played the game and had injuries. They know what it’s like.”
4
The Magpies are helping Matty Longstaff with his recovery despite him being no longer at the clubCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education