Miguel Almirón has been one of the standout players at Newcastle United this season and has managed 11 goals and three assists from 36 games.
The winger was on the sidelines for a month due to a thigh injury before he returned to action in the Magpies’ 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on April 15th.
La Nación‘s Christian Martin visited the Newcastle star in England, where the latter revealed he had to be cautious when recovering from an injury earlier this year.
“Thank God I am now recovered from a minor injury, but I had to be very careful, little by little I am picking up the rhythm of the matches. Last time I played as a starter again and I feel better game by game,” he said.
Last season, Newcastle were focused on avoiding relegation and a good run earlier this year helped them finish in 11th place. Their situation has changed this season.
The 29-year-old has been instrumental in helping Eddie Howe’s side currently sit in third spot, six points ahead of fifth placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
“We take a lot of responsibility, because we know that qualifying for the Champions League is very big, not only for us but for the club, which it has deserved for a long time.”
The Paraguay international has a ‘dream’ of helping his country qualify for the World Cup in 2026. He will be in his 30s, which could potentially be his last opportunity to play in the major FIFA tournament.
“As I always maintain, we have a great group, the results are not given, but we have to continue working. I think that with the work and the good results we have to make a difference,” he stressed.
“We have to take advantage of these friendlies and then the playoffs begin. For us it is very important to bring happiness to the Paraguayan people, which I believe they deserve.
“Whenever I see the national team shirt in the dressing room, it excites me, not only me, but my teammates. Wearing the shirt of your country is something unique, representing my country is the best thing that could have happened to me in football.
“I am preparing myself to the fullest because this could be my last World Cup and I am working hard to arrive in the best physical and mental shape for the qualifying matches.”
