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Cisse's Ready And Raring To Go
Written by Newcastle Utd
An exclusive interview with Papiss Cisse, who is set to pull on a Newcastle shirt again for the first time during pre-season
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Papiss Cisse will make his first appearance of pre-season on Tuesday night at St. Mirren, and the front man cannot wait to pull on the Newcastle United shirt again.
The Magpies' top scorer last season with 13 goals, Cisse is yet to feature so far during the Club's warm-up games and did not travel on their recent Portuguese training camp.
But Cisse, the Club and new main sponsor Wonga.com have reached a resolution to the Senegalese star wearing the new Wonga-branded kit ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.
All parties engaged in productive discussions to resolve the matter over recent weeks, including consultation with faith leaders and the Professional Footballers' Association.
And, as United travel to St. Mirren park on Tuesday for a 7.30pm kick-off, Cisse is keen to put the matter behind him and look forward to doing what he does best - finding the back of the net.
"It has been a very difficult time for me and the Club, and also for the fans," the striker told nufc.co.uk in an exclusive interview.
"I have had some useful discussions with my Club, my family and Islamic teachers in the last few weeks. After a huge amount of thought and reflection I have made the decision to follow my teammates and wear the kit.
"Now I think it is important for the team and the fans that we concentrate 100 per cent on football.
"Although I did not go to Portugal on the training camp, I was back here working hard on my fitness and preparing for the start of the new season.
"Since then it has been great to be training with my teammates again. I feel great and ready to go, and cannot wait to be out there against St. Mirren on Tuesday and to play my part for the team."