Aston Villa forward Johan Manzambi left St James' Park complaining of being "kicked" during Saturday night's 1-0 defeat for Newcastle United. The Swiss international was substituted with 18 minutes remaining, but by that time he had already headed in the winning goal.
His strike added to Newcastle fans' frustration given that a £51million fee had been agreed with SC Freiburg in the summer, along with verbal acceptance of contractual terms from the youngster. However, at the 11th hour, the line went silent, with sporting director Ross Wilson then discovering Manzambi had taken up Aston Villa's offer instead.
Manzambi's complaint and explanation
As he headed for the exit, Manzambi was asked why he had gone off before the end. He said: "It wasn't cramp it was a kick but it's OK. I have a little bit of pain but it's OK now. I'm very happy to score and I hope the next game both of us can score. But the most important [thing] is the three points."
Newcastle genuinely believed they had won the race to sign the World Cup star last July, but the move collapsed and Wilson was left to rethink his transfer plans. When asked why he had chosen Villa over Newcastle, the forward said: "The team (Villa) was really good. I played against this team in the final [of the Europa League] and it's a very good team with a big coach and I knew that was perfect for me."
Emery delighted with summer signing
Villa boss Unai Emery was left purring over Manzambi's performance and said in his post-match press conference that he was delighted to have beaten Newcastle to his signature. Emery said: "Skills and intelligence, both he has, and his physicality is very important as well to help us defensively and to help us try to keep the duels offensively. So happy. Of course, another goal he has scored. Fantastic for him as well. I don't know, then he was a bit tired and maybe something muscular, hopefully not much."
He added: "He has been a very good impact with his qualities and his wish to join us in the same challenges and performances in the last three or four years playing as well consistency in the Premier League in the top positions as well in Europe."
