Atsu eying more glory after scoring debut

The Ghanaian is in high spirits after finding the back of the net in his first game for Malaga

Malaga winger Christian Atsu is in bullish mood after netting on his debut for his new side.

The 24-year-old forced his way onto Coach Javi Gracia’s starting team last Friday, capping his La Liga bow with a goal as the Blue and Whites thrashed Getafe 3-0 at the Estadio La Rosaleda.

“It’s been a while since I played, but I felt good, confident and pleased to play at La Rosaleda,” Atsu told his club’s official website.

“We have a great group of players; they’re easy to work with and I feel very comfortable. I have adapted quickly after getting a great welcome.”

An unused substitute in Malaga 2-1 win over Eibar in his first involvement with the club upon his transfer, Atsu was hauled off at half-time in last Friday’s encounter, raising concerns that the winger may have suffered an injury relapse.

“Gracia is a very prepared coach and he gave me a chance to play at a time he thought was best for the club,” Atsu added.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s what I needed for a long time, and I look forward to working hard to please the coaches and the club.

“It was a good 45 minutes on the pitch. If I want to show my best level, I need to keep playing and working hard.”

Meanwhile, following earlier revelations by coach Gracia that Atsu was substituted at half-time to avoid risking an injury, the club’s official website has confirmed that the Ghanaian picked up a muscular injury in Friday’s game and, thus, sat out Monday’s training.

GOAL