Senegalese Striker, Papiss Demba Cisse Completed £10m Switch To Newcastle

Papiss Demba Cisse became Newcastle's new No 9 on Tuesday night when he completed a £10million deal.

The Senegal striker flew to Tyneside to have a medical and finalise personal terms after the club agreed the fee with SC Freiburg. Now Cisse will join a legendary list of names who have worn the famous shirt, including Jackie Milburn, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Malcolm Macdonald.

He told the Magpies' website: 'I am aware of the importance of the No 9 shirt, and when I spoke with the manager he made it very clear how important this shirt is. I will treat it with the respect and I hope to do my very best in this shirt.
'I am a goalscorer, and that is the thing which gives me the most pleasure. But it is also important that I help my team-mates and bring something to the team. Primarily though, my major strength is my goalscoring.'

Cisse made a whirlwind visit on Tuesday leaving Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations training camp to complete his move after agreeing a five-and-a-half year deal at £40,000 a week.
He said: 'I would like to thank everybody for their welcome, and for inviting me to sign. It is an honour to play for such a big club and I am looking forward to it. I want to pay back the confidence shown in me, and give the supporters something to be proud of.'

Having international colleague Demba Ba at Newcastle will be a major help for Cisse as he looks to acclimatise.

Indeed, Ba played a key role in luring his compatriot from the Bundesliga, speaking in glowing terms about the club and manager Alan Pardew, which played a vital role in Cisse's decision.

He added: 'I spoke with the coach of Senegal and was pleased that he allowed me to come here and join the Club. Obviously it is great for me that I will be with my colleague Demba, who plays with me for Senegal, so I am hopeful that we can form a great partnership.'

However, Newcastle supporters will have to wait to see their new No 9 in action. The 26-year-old was last night due to rejoin the Senegal team ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Zambia on Saturday.

Should Senegal reach the final, Cisse - and Ba - will not arrive back in Newcastle until February 13 at the earliest, and it could be February 25 before Cisse makes his debut.