I’ll explode next season - Atsu promises Newcastle fans

Newcastle attacker Christian Atsu has vowed to show fans his true potential next season after successfully undergoing a knee surgery.

The 24 year old revealed he has been playing for three years with the pain which has affected his performances and is delighted to finally correct the problem.

The Ghanaian winger has already stepped up his recovery back at Newcastle’s Benton Training Centre working in the gym and running on the anti-gravity treadmill.

“It’s been three weeks now since I did my surgery and I’ve been working on my recovery,” Atsu told nufcTV.

“I’ve been doing gym work and I’m feeling better and getting stronger each and every day.

“I had a problem with my fat pad where parts of it were touching the other parts of my knee and they had to take part of the fat pad away.

“The doctor said that everything was successful. The recovery will take three to four months, but he also said everything will depend on how I’m feeling.

“I had the injury for three years and I was playing with it, but I thought to myself: ‘This is the right time to solve this problem.’

“I want to be better when I’m playing and to be pain-free too. So I’m very happy that at least I have the chance to solve it.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve been recovering faster than I expected. I’ve started running on the anti-gravity treadmill.

“I’m doing weights on my knee too. So I’m happy that I run with at least 70 per cent of my weight.

“I’ll keep pushing more every day, but also be careful. The physios are very happy with my progress. I am working with them and the doctor, who is checking my progress and how I am feeling.

“With their support I think I am recovering really well and I am happy with everything that is going on.”

Atsu missed Newcastle's final six games of the season as he underwent surgery.