Liverpool forward Alexander Isak has addressed the speculation surrounding his high-profile transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, hinting at undisclosed details behind the move.
The striker completed a British record £125 million switch to Anfield on transfer deadline day, following a drawn-out summer saga.
Speaking after making his first appearance of the season for Sweden on Monday, Isak said: “Not everyone has the full picture, but that’s something for another day.”
He came off the bench in the second half of Sweden’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Kosovo in Pristina. “I can’t control everything that’s said or written. But I’m happy that I became a Liverpool player.”
Isak replaced Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga for the final 18 minutes, with Sweden trailing 2-0.
He had three shots – two on target – and was booked for clashing with Kosovo’s Fidan Aliti. “It’s great that everything was settled before the camp and that I could focus on playing football again. “It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch as well,” he said.
Isak refused to play in Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies and at the start of the season.
He was an unused substitute for Sweden’s 2-2 qualifying draw in Slovenia on Friday.
“He had only done three training sessions with the team,” Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson told Viaplay.
Goals from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi earned Kosovo their first points in Group B.
Kosovo’s Lindon Emerllahu was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card. Switzerland topped the group, with Kosovo second and Sweden third.
