Star player Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United has thought back on the “tough moment” he went through at the close of the previous campaign since a calf injury kept him from being more involved in the Magpies’ European run.
Trippier’s muscular issue kept him out of action for nine games during the season, but he finished with three appearances and regained his fitness during an hour-long stint in England’s 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The full-back will get another chance to play on Friday at Wembley against Iceland in England’s last pre-European Championship warm-up game.
Reflecting on his disrupted end to the season, Trippier told Chronicle Live: “It was a difficult moment. The time that I had my injury was difficult, I tried as hard as I could to get back for Newcastle. It was a busy end to the season. Ultimately I had to respect that it was a big injury.
“So as long as I know that I have done everything right, in my head, to get back and doing it the right way, that’s all that matters for me.”
Trippier’s final outing for Newcastle last term came in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur when he came off for a routine substitution in the friendly game in Melbourne. However, the sight of Trippier clutching a bag of ice around his calf left some fans concerned. But the full-back declared himself fine ahead of this summer’s international tournament in Germany and it bodes well for Newcastle in pre-season.
Trippier was involved in Newcastle’s post-season trip to Australia and admitted the decision to jet Down Under wasn’t ideal for players after a long campaign. However, reflecting on the 20,000 round-mile trip, the Toon full-back clarified: “It was a long journey for just a few days. I think people took it out of context when I spoke about the trip and thought I was being negative about it.
“All I was trying to say about that was I understand why the club were doing it. I have been at Atletico Madrid and Tottenham and understand that the commercial side have to branch out so I do get it.
“All I said was that it was a tournament year. I did not mean anything negative by it. It was a good trip when we were there. A lot of young boys got to play and we spent a lot of time together.”
Trippier’s big night at St James’ Park was capped off by a standing ovation from the 50,000 plus crowd on Tyneside. The United star said: “It was a very special night. To lead the lads out and have my son with me as well is special.
“Obviously he has walked out with me for Newcastle but now for England. It was a great experience for him and managed to sneak him in the dressing room after the game to get a few photos with the boys. It is always an honour to not just captain the side but represent my country.”
