Kieran Trippier hits back at online criticism over joining Newcastle

Kieran Trippier hits back at online criticism over joining the world’s richest club Newcastle United for money this week.

The England right back has departed Atletico Madrid for Tyneside in a £12.5m transfer deal and a two-and-a half year contract worth £100k a week.

He has vowed to prove he’s made the move for sporting reasons and not to reap in the financial benefit, instead wanting to help keep Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League.

Trippier says he will push to keep his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup, despite joining a relegation battle.

Asked if he was only here for the money, Trippier said: “I fight for the shirt. People are entitled to their opinion. The most important thing was for my family to come back to England and especially the North. If people say it is for money they can have their opinion but I have my reasons.

“Is it a brave decision? I had the same question before I went to Madrid. People said it was a risk and I shouldn’t make that move.

“I took the risk of going to Spain, and I believed in myself. I am brave, I like to take chances and challenges. I am not afraid to come here and fight for the club to get us higher.

“I am still ambitious. I want to get in the England team and I feel I can still handle the pressure. I am in good shape.”

Newcastle have conceded a Premier League record 80 goals in the calendar year 2021, and lost 21 games, but Trippier hopes that run improves rather than damage his England place.

“Me and Gareth will be in contact soon. I am not giving up on England. I am challenging myself. I play for Newcastle. I have to play well here. I am up against some good right backs, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker.

“I love challenges. This is a test but I will never give up on my hopes of playing for England.”

He adds that he is a better player now than when he quit Tottenham for Spain saying coach Diego Simeone “worked me relentlessly and taught me so much.”

Eddie Howe is looking to make more signings with Newcastle increasing their bid for Sven Botman the Lille defender. With Callum Wilson looking at a longer time out, Anthony Martial is a loan option.

Howe wants players to have “no way out” and is demanding full commitment and no excuses from new signings.

Asked about using relegation clauses to reassure new players, Howe said: “We have half a season left and I want players who want to come and are absolutely committed to turning the situation around.

“Offering relegation clauses is a sure fire way to potentially bring players in who don’t have the correct motivation.

“So we take each situation on an individual basis. I would never state clearly whether we are or we are not. Each individual situation is different.

“But I want players who are absolutely committed and have no way out, and think I have got to make this work. I think that is the only way we will get success.”

I’m so happy to be joining Newcastle. Everyone knows the fans are unbelievably passionate and I will give my absolute all for them. I can’t wait to get to work 💪🏼

Thank you to everyone at @nufc & the fans for the very warm welcome I have received so far 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/6d0raRrpnv

— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) January 7, 2022

Twitter users reacted as Kieran Trippier hits back at online criticism over joining Newcastle, see what they wrote below…

@dlcrow_: I’m sure had Mike Ashley still been there he’d have never gone there or even entered talks. Best of luck to him and Newcastle though, hopefully the start of bigger things for the north east!

@SmithMichael198: Doesn’t matter who Newcastle sign people will say it just for the money

@MagPieMagic78: It’s very clear to see that this guy is 100 percent geordie material. 🖤🤍 love him already.

@THawks1980: To be honest I don’t see an issue if he did want a good weekly wage, only got 3 years left and of course he wants to set himself up for the future beyond playing.

@gw850: “Trippier only wants money.” He’s set to earn 110k a week.. he was on £90k a week at Atletico. It’s hardly like we’re tripling his wages. First signing of the new era, will be a key figure, potential captain, playing in his home country, and will be adored by the fans. #NUFC

@WestHamXtra: Good luck to the lad. Sod what anyone else thinks.

@_EnGee: Kieran Trippier is an England international, 4th in La Liga, playing in the Champions Leauge and Diego Simeone wanted to keep him. Eddie Howe showed him a bit of the blood money and he’s coming to play for the mags. We’re 19th in the league. A could get used to this.

@75_chicoIron: The fact he’s said that confirms it was a major factor. Not sure why he’s bothering saying it. I’d join Newcastle if in his shoes with the money on offer. Enjoy the ride geordies

@kieraandixon: He’s coming to a great club who will have 52,000 cheering him on, yes he’s gonna get paid very well but he could of went anywhere else if it was for the money.He is the start of the new project. #NUFC

@RokSpur74: Give your head a wobble , what decent player would go to Newcastle to be part of the project in the Championship

@Louiswestlondon: He’s 100 % going for the money if they didn’t offer him this big contract he wouldn’t even think of joining Newcastle

@serkankay4: Same with all the big six teams you offer better wages and contracts than the rest of the league and Europe to secure players. Our turn now

@DeeCDaveCurtis: Players at this level earn more money than can be spent, so it isn’t purely a financial decision. Yes its a big wage rise and yes it plays a part in his decision, But key factor? No. The projects attractive, Eddie plays attractive football. It is what it is #NUFC #KieranTrippier

@AngelNUFC: But TalkSport told us it was all about the money, surely they would know more than Trippier? What a bunch of idiots. This is one of the most exciting projects in football today, it makes sense players want to be a part of it if they have ambition.

Kieran Trippier: “People say it’s about money? They’re entitled to their opinion. My family are most important. I wanted a project and a challenge. I’m brave, I don’t see this as a risk. I’ve got my reasons, I know them, and money isn’t one of them. I’m excited.” #NUFC pic.twitter.com/5NxHDMr2gr

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 7, 2022

💰 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻: “Trippier is going there for one reason: money!”

😡 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘃: “Shut up! If it’s about money why isn’t he going to China!?”

🇨🇳 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻: “Because China have capped wages! Do your research!”

Simon and Trevor debate if Trippier is going to #NUFC just for money 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ebNdd4UL76

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 5, 2022