Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse says Chelsea strike is best of career

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse at Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle hitman Papiss Cisse has named his wonder-strike against Chelsea as the best goal of his career to date.

The 26-year-old Senegal international took his tally for the Magpies to 13 in just 12 appearances with a match-winning double at Stamford Bridge, the second of them a truly memorable stoppage-time volley from an outrageous angle.

Cisse told the Shields Gazette: "It was a wonderful goal. It was the best goal of my career - I was so happy to score it.

"When the ball came to me, I was only thinking about scoring. It was an instinctive finish.

"I was also pleased with my first goal. It was important for the team. It was a good evening for me and the team.

"I came to the Premier League to show my quality, and everything is going well. I'm enjoying my football - everything is good on and off the pitch."

Cisse has enjoyed a remarkable introduction to English football and since opening his account with a debut-day winner against Aston Villa after coming on as a substitute on February 5, has never looked back.

His goals have helped to propel Newcastle into the thick of the race for Champions League qualification, although they remain in fifth place with just two games to go and victory for Chelsea over Bayern Munich in this season's final would mean only the top three will make it.

However, while there is still a chance, Cisse and his team-mates are planning to take the fight all the way to the wire as they prepare for Sunday's visit of leaders Manchester City to Tyneside and the final day trip to Everton.

The former Freiburg striker said: "It's not going to be easy, but we have confidence, which is important. We believe in each other.

"We hope to play in the Champions League, and we will work hard to achieve that."

PA