Cisse wants to focus on football

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse is eager to put the shirt controversy behind him and get back to focusing on football.

Cisse withdrew from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Portugal after telling the club that he was not prepared to wear a shirt bearing the logo of new sponsors Wonga.

As a Muslim, Cisse did not want to wear a shirt promoting the money-lending company and the issue cast doubt over his future at the club.

All parties engaged in discussions in a bid to resolve the matter and following lengthy talks a resolution was met with Cisse agreeing to wear the Wonga-branded kit for the 2013/14 campaign.

Cisse is hoping to put the matter behind him and get back to what he loves doing most, playing football and scoring goals.

“It has been a very difficult time for me and the Club, and also for the fans,” the striker told the club’s website.

“I have had some useful discussions with my Club, my family and Islamic teachers in the last few weeks. After a huge amount of thought and reflection I have made the decision to follow my teammates and wear the kit.

“Now I think it is important for the team and the fans that we concentrate 100 per cent on football.

“Although I did not go to Portugal on the training camp, I was back here working hard on my fitness and preparing for the start of the new season.

“Since then it has been great to be training with my teammates again. I feel great and ready to go, and cannot wait to be out there against St. Mirren on Tuesday and to play my part for the team.”