Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has insisted that Anthony Gordon's success at Barcelona does not hurt him as a Magpies fan because he 'understands how football works'.
Gordon left Newcastle in the summer after three-and-a-half years, joining the Spanish champions in a £69million deal. The England international improved immeasurably on Tyneside after arriving from Everton and has since kicked on to another level at the Camp Nou.
Instant Impact in Catalonia
The 25-year-old dazzled for England during the last international break and has made the left-wing spot in Thomas Tuchel's side his own, following an impressive start to life in Catalonia. Gordon has two goals and five assists to his name so far this season and has quickly established himself as a fan favourite alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in a formidable front three.
But Shearer insists he holds no resentment towards Gordon because he went about his exit from Newcastle in the 'right way'—and he also did similar when he left Blackburn Rovers to join Newcastle in a world record move back in the summer of 1996.
Shearer's Understanding of Football
"It looks as if he feels at home, feels full of confidence and even when you listen to his interviews, there's an air of confidence and a belief about him," Shearer told Betfair.
"You've seen a different Anthony Gordon this season to the one you saw at Newcastle last season. Clearly, he wanted that move, which is fine, you were allowed that, but there's now an end product to his game. He's going both ways, down the left and cutting inside as well.
"He's getting his goals and the assists and he's playing in an arena which is huge. He's playing with some huge names, probably in a better team and he looks really, really comfortable.
"It doesn't hurt me as a Newcastle fan watching him flourish at another club. I understand football. I've been in it, you know. When Barcelona come calling, it's very difficult when you're at Newcastle to turn them down. Anthony did it the right way.
"I guess he spoke to people behind the scenes and once they knew he wanted to leave, it was a matter of getting as big a fee for him as possible, but I understand how football works. I did it myself with Blackburn when I left there and wanted to go back to Newcastle."
