Moussa Sissoko admits Newcastle are not a 'big club' (Getty Images)
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Moussa Sissoko has once again risked incurring the wrath of Newcastle fans after admitting that the Magpies are not a "big club" like Manchester United.
Sissoko has spoken in the past of his desire to play in the Champions League for a club like Arsenal, with the France midfielder admitting that he could see a move to the Gunners in the future should the north London side want him.
The 26-year-old’s latest claim comes while he is with the France squad on international duty, and was triggered by a question asking why he was regularly left on the bench for the French.
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Sissoko pointed to the wealth of talent that France head coach Didier Deschamps has at his disposal in midfield, before adding that it doesn’t help him that all of his rivals player at a “big club” like United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
"Today, look at those who play in my position,” Sissoko said ahead of France’s 2-1 victory over Serbia on Monday night.
"There's Blaise (Matuidi) who did extraordinary things at PSG (last season), Paul (Pogba) who is wonderful for Juventus, Yohan Cabaye who has just signed for Crystal Palace and Morgan Schneiderlin who is now at Manchester United.
While Sissoko’s claim can’t be argued when it comes to the likes of United, Juventus and PSG, his admission that Cabaye’s move to Palace sees him remain at a big club could cause quite a stir among Newcastle fans, although the former Magpies midfielder only joined Palace from PSG in the summer and has already shown his class on his return to the Premier League.
Sissoko returned to the Newcastle starting line-up for their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out, and despite the transfer window shutting a few days after the loss at St James’ Park, Sissoko failed to secure a move to a club playing in Europe.
However, he has reiterated his desire to leave the North-East club, and revealed that Newcastle had blocked a move during the summer.
"It could have been a good time to leave," added Sissoko.
"There were clubs interested but Newcastle vetoed. They were against my departure so I stayed.
"What I miss is to play leading roles because I would like to play in the Champions League."
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