Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson has cited Alan Shearer as a reason why he joined the club last season. He signed in September 2020 from Bournemouth for £20 million (Sky Sports).
Wilson has really hit the ground running at Newcastle, becoming one of the key goal contributors. He’s currently sidelined, picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Man Utd back in December.
Even before he joined the Magpies, Wilson admitted he had been in contact with the Toon legend before. Shearer gave him advice back in 2016 when he injured his ACL.
‘He’s someone who everyone in the city looks up to’, Wilson understands the importance Shearer has on Tyneside
Speaking on his podcast alongside West Ham’s Michail Antonio, ‘The Footballer’s Football Podcast‘, Wilson spoke on Shearer’s influence on the city and on him personally.
“I think for me Alan Shearer played a big part in me joining Newcastle and he’s a big Newcastle legend,” he said.
“He’s someone who everyone in the city looks up to and whatever he says in the media, whether true, false or indifferent – everyone will agree with what he’s saying.
“For me he’s been that kind of person who gave me that little bit of advice and reached out to me when I first got injured and stuff like that, when I did my ACL back in 2016 now.
“He didn’t have to send me a text message, I’d not played much Premier League, but he took a liking to me and we have found our way to be in the same club that we both feel so passionate about now.”
Newcastle have coped without Wilson, but hopefully he’s back from injury sooner rather than later
Since 2022 began the Toon have gone on a great run of form. Wilson hasn’t played this calendar year but Newcastle is undefeated in the league and haven’t lost in seven matches.
Whilst the club has coped without him, hopefully Wilson can come back sooner rather than later. New signing Chris Wood has served a purpose since his arrival but has struggled for goals.
Wilson could add to the goals Newcastle are already getting upon his return. If he’s able to come back this season, it will be a huge boost for the Magpies. They’ve managed to push themselves away from the relation zone but the season is still very much far from being over.
Had he not suffered the injury in December, Wilson could’ve had another strong campaign. He has six goals in 15 appearances, whilst last season he got 12 goals in 26 appearances. Perhaps the forward could’ve already had a tally close to that of last season.
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