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Yoan's pride at title win
Written by Tom Easterby
Yoan Gouffran says Newcastle United’s Championship title victory is extra special to him because of the big part he’s played for the team this season.
The Frenchman spent much of the 2015/16 season out of favour as United were relegated from the Premier League, but was brought back into the fold by manager Rafa Benitez early in the campaign just gone.
Gouffran became a fixture of the Magpies’ promotion-winning side, featuring 45 times in all competitions and scoring seven goals.
And he says that the pride he is feeling after Sunday’s title triumph is even greater due to the role he’s played this term.
“Everybody is proud of what they have done, and especially me, because last year I didn’t play. This year, I have enjoyed it at Newcastle,” the 30-year-old told nufc.co.uk.
“I have been involved, I think I have deserved it. It was really hard for me, and I’ve worked really hard at the training ground.
“I spoke with the manager when he came and I was injured last season, and now, I am happy. I will enjoy my holidays!”
United’s 3-0 last-day win over Barnsley on Sunday, coupled with fellow promoted side Brighton & Hove Albion’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, meant Newcastle lifted the winners’ trophy.
Jack Grealish’s late equaliser for Villa sparked scenes of celebration over 200 miles away at St. James’ Park, but Benitez’s men had to wait for confirmation of the final score in that game before the celebrations could truly begin.
“It was just great. I thought we played well and we scored good goals, and we knew minutes before the end what the score was (at Villa Park). It was a great atmosphere, the fans were amazing,” said Gouffran.
“We knew they were drawing and that we would be champions. We tried to stay focussed but it’s hard, because we knew we were going to be champions.
“We had to wait to know if we definitely were, and it was a little bit weird when you’re waiting – you don’t know, maybe they could’ve scored – but after, we can enjoy it. I think we deserved it because everyone has worked hard.
“Some people say sometimes that it was easy for Newcastle, because we have a lot of good players. But you can see teams like Aston Villa, who have good players but don’t finish at the top.
“I think we worked hard, and everybody’s were we wanted to be.”
“Everybody is proud of what they have done, and especially me, because last year I didn’t play. This year, I have enjoyed it at Newcastle."