4/09/2025

Read

iPaper at Malaysian Paper

www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download

app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Malaysian Paper or download

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

THURSDAY | SEP 4, 2025

Malaysian Paper

‘Forever

grateful’

the fans because they’re the paying public, the ones that make this great game of ours. “It’s not a good look at all when you’re being paid by a club and refuse to play. “Ultimately, he got his move to Liverpool, that’s what he wanted.” Isak, finally back on the training pitch yesterday, smiled and laughed as he warmed up with his Sweden teammates in Stockholm ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo. There were no signs of fatigue despite it being well past midnight when the white car containing the 25-year-old swept quietly into the parking garage of the team’s Stockholm hotel, bringing to an end a long day and an even longer transfer saga. “That’s what you want,” fellow striker Viktor Gyokeres, who went through a transfer tug-of-war of his own during with Sporting CP, told reporters when asked if he was relieved that the whole thing had been resolved and the transfer window had closed. “It’s not really something you want to be stuck in forever, (playing) is what we all live for, and we’re looking forward to the games we have now.” Both Isak and Gyokeres did their best to get their former clubs to grant their wishes for a move, provoking disapproval from their former fans and accusations that players have too much power. However, Gyokeres rejected that notion. “I think the clubs have the most power,” he said. “When it’s a player that’s not wanted at a club, it’s the total opposite. He doesn’t have any power, and the club can do whatever they want.” Sweden now have the luxury of two of the world’s best strikers as they start their World Cup qualifying campaign away to Slovenia on Saturday (2.45am malaysian time). Though he declined to elaborate on how Isak would be used, Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has said he could be a “game changer”. – The Independent/Reuters Isak thanks Magpies for ‘three unforgettable years’ following move to Liverpool

Ű BY WILL CASTLE & JONATHAN VEAL

A LEXANDER ISAK has addressed the Newcastle fans for the first time since completing his deadline day transfer to Liverpool, concluding a messy saga that has dominated the summer. Newcastle, who had insisted that Isak was not for sale, eventually allowed the 25-year-old to leave after he went on strike and accused them of breaking promises to them, before they were eventually able to sign replacements. Isak helped deliver Newcastle’s first trophy in 70 years last season, scoring in their 2-1 Carabao Cup final win over the Reds in March, but his defiance meant he departed St. James’ Park on extremely sour terms, with fans displaying banners branding the Swede a “rat”. The 25-year-old has nevertheless expressed has gratitude to the club and its supporters upon his exit. “I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together,” he wrote on Instagram . “Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. “It has been an honour to be part of the journey from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in over 70 years. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle.” Meanwhile, former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believed Isak’s behaviour in forcing a move to Liverpool was “a really bad look for football”. “I didn’t like how it got to the end. I don’t think it’s ever right that a player should go on strike and refuse to play for a club whilst you’re being paid and have a contract. “I understand it from the other way around, when a club wants to get rid of you they do, but they’re still paying your wages. When you sign a contract, you’re obliged to fulfil it.” The former England captain added: “Alexander Isak is a good player, going to a great football club who will no doubt challenge for all the big trophies. But, as I said, I don’t like how it happened. He’ll have his reasons, I’m sure. “We can thank him for what he did at Newcastle, but it’s been a messy situation all summer. “I don’t think it’s done anyone any good. It’s been a really bad look for football and for

Alexander Isak celebrates winning the Carabao Cup with Newcastle on March 16, 2025. – REUTERSPIC

Recovery time

Get your fangs out!

Time to cut ties

- Story on page 28

- Story on page 29

- Story on page 31

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com