Papiss Cisse has embraced the responsibility that comes with being a number nine at Newcastle and is hoping to write his own piece of history.
Magpies striker hoping to become a Tyneside legend
Papiss Cisse has embraced the responsibility that comes with being a number nine at Newcastle and is hoping to write his own piece of history.
The shirt handed to Cisse upon his arrival on Tyneside in January has been immortalised by the likes of Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Shearer.
Following in their footsteps is a big ask for any player, let alone one who has never experienced the Premier League before and has been drafted in midway through a season.
Cisse has, however, made a spectacular start to his Newcastle career, with another goal in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Stoke taking his tally to 11 in 10 appearances.
The Senegal international is delighted with how things are going for him in English football and hopes he can build on a positive opening and become a Magpies legend in his own right.
"To wear the No.9 at any club is a challenge and a greater demand because the shirt is always associated with great stars," Cisse told
The Sun.
"I know Shearer was a No.9 and a great forward. It is emotional to know I'm wearing such a famous shirt and because of that I want to succeed even more.
Amazing
"The No.9 shirt offers you the chance to become a legend at this club. I have only just arrived but hope in many years from now the Newcastle fans can talk about a Senegalese player who wore No.9 and scored many important goals.
"I would love for the fans to talk about me in the same respect as Shearer when I leave this club.
"Since I joined they have been amazing and made it easier to feel at home.
"Some say Newcastle fans are mad but all I want to do is drive them crazy with goals.
"In Africa is it normal to see fans in the stands with their shirts off but, with the cold weather in Newcastle, I didn't expect it.
"It's made me feel at home and that passion drives us on as players to do well.
"In England the heart of football lives more in the stands than it does in Germany and I love the feeling the crowd gives you in England."
