“Biggest mistake” – Player on his transfer to Newcastle United, failed to change ‘negative perception’

Belgium international Matz Sels has told De Morgen that he’s still disappointed with his spell at Newcastle United.

The goalkeeper arrived at Newcastle from KAA Gent in 2016, when Rafael Benítez was in charge at the club. The Magpies were then in the Championship, and he initially started for them in the league.

Sels ended up making 14 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle in his first season. The Tyneside club sent him out on loan during the 2017/18 season before selling him to RC Strasbourg in July 2018.

The 32-year-old was a regular for the Ligue 1 side and his performances for them helped him get a move to Nottingham Forest in January. He’s the No.1 under Nuno Espírito Santo and has impressed for the Reds this season.

Prior to his arrival at Newcastle, Sels had spells in Belgium with Lierse SK and Gent. A move to Nottingham Forest has allowed him to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League.

When discussing this subject, the stopper opened up why he’s impressing for Nottingham Forest and struggled at Newcastle.

“I have also had very good seasons in France in recent years. However, it remained more under the radar. My performances at Strasbourg were less followed, except for the games against PSG. I didn’t mind that in itself. It has brought me where I am now,” he said.

“For 99% of footballers, the Premier League is a dream. I can only confirm that. The intensity there I haven’t seen anywhere else. Every day I work hard to prove that I am worth playing in the Premier League.

“Why it’s working out now and not eight years ago at Newcastle? That was my first time abroad then and the start was just very difficult, leaving me behind. That was one of my biggest mistakes. I was never able to turn that negative perception around then.”

The Belgian claims his struggles at St James’ Park have helped him become stronger.

“Ultimately, I don’t look back on that period with resentment, because it’s part of the job. Every football player has a period when things slow down. Something like that makes you stronger. The most important thing is how you deal with such moments. I then chose to get playing opportunities elsewhere [at Anderlecht],” Sels explained.