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Wijnaldum Hoping To Head Stateside
Written by Newcastle Utd
Georginio Wijnaldum is hoping to be a part of Newcastle United's pre-season tour of America
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
New signing Georginio Wijnaldum is hoping to be a part of Newcastle United's pre-season tour of America, as he looks to quickly integrate himself in the Magpies' set-up.
On Sunday morning United fly Stateside for a trio of friendlies and a training camp, as preparations step up for the 2015/16 season.
Former PSV Eindhoven captain Wijnaldum will not be on the plane with the rest of the squad but is hopeful of joining up with his new teammates after a few days back in his homeland.
"Because everything went so fast, I must go back to Holland and get a lot of things ready to come to England," the 24-year-old midfielder explained to nufcTV in this interview.
"I think in the beginning I won't go with the team but after a few days I will go out to America.
"The training camp in the USA will help me get to know the players and trainers quickly. The four Dutch players will help me get to know everyone."
On Tyneside, Wijnaldum will work under the tutelage of new head coach Steve McClaren.
The pair know each other well from their respective times in the Netherlands, and it is a case of second time lucky for McClaren in landing his man.
"The coach turned Twente into champions for the first time - that is what everybody knows," said Wijnaldum of his new boss.
"He led them to play good football and so has a good reputation. When he was at Twente, I was playing for Feyenoord and he tried to sign me, so it's funny that it's happened now."
To watch Georginio Wijnaldum's full nufcTV interview, click here.