Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri has discussed Aleksandar Mitrovic’s disappointing spell at Newcastle, ahead of the forward’s return to St James’ Park this weekend.
Mitrovic signed for Newcastle for £13m in 2015 but failed to truly establish himself in the North East, scoring just 14 league goals 65 appearances.
The Serbian was loaned to Fulham in January 2018 and has thrived since moving to West London, scoring 12 times as the club was promoted to the Premier League last season before making the move permanent for an initial fee of £22m last summer.
Fulham travel to Newcastle on Saturday, and Cottagers Ranieri has been discussing his top scorer’s struggles on Tyneside.
“Aleksandar [Mitrovic] in Newcastle didn’t do a very good job because when a player comes from another country it’s not easy to adapt immediately to English football.’’ Ranieri told his pre-match press conference.
“But in Fulham he’s adapted very, very well. And I hope he can do a very outstanding match.
“I don’t know if they will give a warm welcome to Aleksandar, but I hope Aleksandar will make a very good match.”