Ful-ly committed! Tom Cairney says he ‘loves playing at Fulham’ amid fresh links with Newcastle United

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Captain Cairney happy at Fulham
Rex Features
James Benge8 December 2017

Tom Cairney insists he is fully committed to Fulham despite renewed speculation over a move to Newcastle United in the upcoming transfer window.

The Scotland international has been one of Magpies’ boss Rafa Benitez’s top targets and Newcastle saw a £20million bid for the Scotland international rejected in January last year.

Cairney responded to that interest in July by putting pen to paper on a contract extension that will tie him to the Cottagers until 2021 with the option of a further season.

Reports in the north east last month claimed that Cairney remained a leading target for Benitez despite a stuttering start to the Championship season for both Cairney and Fulham the 26-year-old remains committed to Craven Cottage.

“You can’t put a price on happiness,” Cairney told Standard Sport. “Last season I was extremely happy on and off the pitch and that’s when you play your best football. I wanted to show my happiness to the fans, let them know that I want to be here and try to take Fulham forward.

“I love playing football here. That’s what I want to do.

“I feel a responsibility to Fulham. It’s been great ever since I arrived. I enjoy playing football, I really enjoy playing it at the Cottage and long may it continue.”

Cairney does, however, appreciate the on-going interest from Benitez, who has made no secret of his desire to add goals and creativity to a Newcastle side who have scored just 14 goals in their first 15 league games of the season.

“It’s a massive accolade that [Newcastle boss] Rafa Benitez wants me,” he said.

“It’s a pat on the back to myself I guess, to know that other managers appreciate what I’m doing.”

Tom Cairney was speaking to the Standard as Fulham FC is an official partner of Konami and Pro Evolution Soccer.

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