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Gouffran Aiming For Instant Impact
Written by Newcastle Utd
Yoan Gouffran sat down for an exclusive interview with nufc.co.uk to talk about his aims for the rest of the season and a strange reported allergy
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Yoan Gouffran insists he has no time to settle in to life on Tyneside and instead must hit the ground running as soon as he pulls on the famous black and white striped shirt.
The 26-year-old forward became Newcastle's third arrival of the January transfer window when he agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at St. James' Park on Wednesday night.
Arriving from Bordeaux for an undisclosed fee, the former France Under 21 international has no experience of the Premier League to date but cannot wait to get going in his new surroundings.
And Gouffran has vowed to be an instant success, helping the Magpies climb the table.
"I have been very surprised at the team's form this season, especially with the quality of players Newcastle have," Gouffran told nufc.co.uk in an exclusive interview.
"We certainly don't deserve to be in our current position but I am aware that there have been a lot of injuries and long-term absentees.
"Once everyone is back I am sure we will push on and move up the league.
"For me, I've come here in January and it is up to me to go out there and help the team do better.
"It is up to me to make an effort and to prove myself on the pitch immediately.
"I really want to go out there and be a success. I haven't got too much time to settle in so I want to be the best I can from the very beginning."
Gouffran also put the record straight on reports that he is allergic to grass - something which would make life as a professional footballer tough to say the least.
Instead, the new arrival explained that it is an issue with vegetation which will have no affect on his time in the North-East.
"No, it's not quite true - I'm not allergic to grass!" he laughed.
"I'm just allergic to certain species of trees which they have in France, but I don't think they have them over here in England.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine on the pitch at St. James' Park!"
Yoan Gouffran's first home game for Newcastle could be against Chelsea on Saturday, 2nd February. Tickets are still available but selling fast, and to secure your seat, click here