Anthony Gordon says speculation about his future has affected his performances but insists he loves Newcastle United and is desperate to win a trophy with them.
Newcastle suffered a disappointing 4-2 loss at Brentford last weekend, a few days after Gordon scored in a 3-3 thriller at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The former Everton forward celebrated his goal by making talking gestures with his hands – and speaking as he met Newcastle fans to collect the Disabled Supporters’ Player of the Year Award, Gordon indicated that talk about a move to the Reds last summer was behind the goal celebration.
“I loved the game, I didn’t need any more motivation for that game,” Gordon told Sky Sports News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Premier League match between Newcastle and Liverpool
“The celebration was just that I’d heard so much talk this year about my future, where I’m going, where I want to go without anyone actually asking me.
“Just leave me to play football, I just want to be happy, play football. I love it here, I’ve said it plenty of times, I think with the speculation, people assume it is all correct when you’ve never heard from me once that I am unhappy at this place. I love everyone here. I love playing football here. That was all that was.”
Anthony Gordon celebrates his goal against Liverpool
Gordon added: “It took me away from enjoying my football this year, and I think that is sort of where the inconsistencies (in performances) comes from, because I’ve got caught in that a little bit.
“But I just want to play football especially for Newcastle.”
Gordon is not the only Newcastle player that has reportedly attracted interest, with Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak among the players said to be admired by other clubs.
“I’m only 23,” Gordon said. “All I’ve heard, like, is ‘When he is leaving?’ Who said I was ever going to leave?
“I’m very, very happy here, I love this place, I love playing football here and I think probably Bruno and Alex think the same thing.
“But we’re all young, we’re all human beings, so if people are talking about that, it sort of questions our character. It’s hard.”
Anthony Gordon celebrates with Sandro Tonali after Newcastle took the lead against Crystal Palace
Gordon said nothing would come close to winning a trophy for Newcastle United.
“Everybody (in the squad) is in the same boat,” he said.
“If we can win a trophy for this club, it would mean the absolute world. Obviously, the league means so much to us because all of our players want to play in Europe, we want to play at that elitle level.
“But for me, since I joined – and it will probably always be until it happens – the main priority for me is to win a trophy.”