Skip to content

Premier League: Newcastle's Emmanuel Riviere has learnt from James Rodriguez

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 22:  Yoan Gouffran of Newcastle United is congratulated on his goal by Emmanuel Riviere and Vurnon Anita (L) during the interna
Image: Emmanuel Riviere: Looking to make his mark at Newcastle

Emmanuel Riviere insists he has learnt a lot from World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez as he looks to make his impact for Newcastle in the Premier League.

Riviere switched to St James’ Park from Monaco for £6million move and scored his first goal for the Magpies in their 4-0 friendly win over Sydney in Dunedin on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old played alongside Rodriguez at the Ligue 1 side and says he is a better player for the experience 

“It was a great experience for me to play alongside a player like that,” Riviere told The Sun about the Colombian, who has himself moved on to Real Madrid following his World Cup heroics.

More games that matter


Click here to see Sky Sports’ unrivalled schedule of live Premier League fixtures

“It was very nice to play with him because he is a brilliant No 10 - his passing is good and he is always looking to switch play.

“He is one of the best players in the world and I learnt a lot from him and developed a great deal.

Now Available

“But now I have gone to expand my career with my new team and I want to work hard to improve.”

Riviere hopes to emulate the success enjoyed by his hero Thierry Henry in the English top flight.

Speaking of the Arsenal legend, he said: “Thierry is my hero. He is from the French West Indies, like me, I used to watch him all the time.

“There are aspects of my game that are a bit like his. I am a striker who is fast and strong and I can score goals – and I think my characteristics are good for the Premier League.

“But Thierry was a big striker and I will need to adapt quickly and work very hard to try and become like him.

“If I can achieve half of what he has achieved, I will be very happy.

“I feel like I have settled in well with Newcastle and I feel like I know everybody already.

“I really enjoyed my first game and it was a fantastic start for me - but the hard work really starts now.”

Around Sky