Newcastle United and England full-back Kieran Trippier is “loving life” in the North East.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest news from St. James’ Park, whilst the right-back is away on England duty.
Trippier’s addition to Eddie Howe’s squad has been nothing short of a revelation for the Magpies, with the 32-year-old’s arrival from Atlético Madrid for £12m in January coinciding in a sharp upturn of form for the side.
Having regained full fitness after suffering a broken metatarsal injury in February of this year, the 37-time England international, who has been described as a “warrior” by national team manager Gareth Southgate, has become somewhat of a leader for the Tyneside club.
And Downie believes that the former Tottenham Hotspur man is very happy with his life in the North East at the moment.
“What I can tell from speaking to him though is that he’s just loving life up here.
“He seems to be loving life up in the North East being closer to home, so to speak for him.
“I think he likes the responsibility that’s coming with being captain.
“Obviously, when Jamal Lascelles doesn’t play, he’s been captain. So that’s in the majority of the matches this season.”
TIF Thoughts on Downie’s comments
We think that Newcastle fans will be delighted that Trippier is enjoying life up north, with the full-back being such an important figure for the side.
The former Burnley star has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far according to Transfermarkt, and scored a stunning free-kick in a 3-3 thriller with Premier League champions Manchester City.
His leadership qualities may have contributed to the side’s impressive form since the turn of the year, and therefore we believe that Newcastle fans will want to keep him around St. James’ Park for as long as possible.