Dan Byrne: Playing in Newcastle is something I've dreamed of since I was a kid

Live Bar February 1, today, Newcastle officially announced that Brighton defender Dan Byrne joined the team, and the players were also interviewed by Newcastle's official website for the first time.

The 29-year-old centre-back returned to his childhood club after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract and became Eddie Howe's fifth signing in the January transfer window. Dan Byrne, who originally played out as a member of the Newcastle youth team, left the club at the age of 11 and returned to the club after almost 20 years to become a full-fledged Premier League defender.

Bourne said: "I'm so happy to be here. I never thought I'd play in that position, to be a Newcastle player, to play at St James' Park, something I've dreamed of since I was a kid. ”

'I can't wait to put on my jersey and go out and see what it feels like – when I was a kid sitting in the East Stand and watching the ball, now I'm happy to get to work.'

Eddie Howe said: "I am delighted to bring Dan Byrne back to Newcastle. He knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be an important presence for us on and off the pitch. We've been very eager to increase competition defensively and Byrne fits the criteria we've been looking for. He is a natural left-footed player, which provides further balance for our backline and he will be an important addition. ”

After leaving Newcastle at a young age, Bourne began to enter the professional league, where he played for clubs such as Bryce Sparta and Darlington before finally making his pro league debut in 2009. In the summer of 2011, Bourne was signed by Fulham, who was then in the Premier League. After his contract with Fulham expired, Bourne joined Wigan Athletic and became a key member of the Championship.

In the 2019/20 season, Bourne began to be a workhorse in Brighton's backline, returning to Newcastle United after making 74 Premier League appearances for Brighton.

(Bear & Raspberry)