Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse says he wants to “concentrate 100% on football” as he prepares to make his pre-season appearance tonight since resolving his dispute over wearing a shirt bearing the logo of new sponsors Wonga (a payday loan company).
Cisse, a Muslim pulled out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour after telling the club he was not prepared to promote the money-lending company.
He was later criticised after picture emerged of him visiting a Tyne side Aspers Casino in November.
His agents immediately denied that the Senegalese was not a gambler, but a Muslim councilor said Cisse would be letting Muslims down just by visiting a casino.
But Cisse now feels is time to move on. He told the Newcastle’s official website: “I have had some useful discussions with my club, my family and Islamic teachers in the last few weeks. After a huge amount of thought and reflection, I have made the decision to follow my teammates and wear the kit.”
