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Christian Atsu has revealed he played through the pain barrier in his first two years with Newcastle United.

The winger underwent knee surgery this summer and has now vowed to play his best football for the Magpies, but he says that fans were oblivious to a nagging problem that prevented him from finding top form in a Toon shirt.

Atsu joined United from Chelsea on loan before the club made the deal permanent in 2017.

Speaking about his problems, Atsu - who is pushing for a start ahead of this weekend’s clash at Cardiff - told the Chronicle: “It’s true and the fans didn’t realise.

“But it is my job and sometimes you have to play through injuries.

(Image: Newcastle United)

“We have to give everything though and you can’t use it as an excuse.

“It’s your job and for me, I just needed to find the right time to have the operation.

“I actually lost a lot of strength in my knee.

“I wasn’t balanced and I was using my right leg more.

“I am still doing strength work to make the leg stronger.”

Newcastle paid £6million for Atsu last summer and even though the player admits he wasn’t at his best, he is still deemed as a success by many fans.

But the supporters were unaware of his struggles behind the scenes with injuries following his switch from Stamford Bridge.

(Image: Newcastle United)

Atsu had needed an operation from last August but decided to play on.

Indeed, it was decided that Atsu should wait until United were declared safe from the drop in their first season back in the Premier League.

Atsu explained: “I had the injury for a long time, even as far back as Chelsea.

“I spoke with the doctors but we struggled to find the right solution.

“When I came back to Newcastle I spoke with the doctor.

“I continued to play because we needed to stay in the Premier League.

“I had a problem with my knee and they needed to shave some bone off.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

“That allowed me to start the pre-season.”

Newcastle kicked off with a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend with Atsu replacing an unhappy Matt Ritchie at St James’ Park.

The winger is determined to make an impact this term, he said: “In the Premier League you need to start well.

“The games ahead are very important for us.

“If we start well our confidence will go up but for us, we have to keep fighting at all times.

“Any team we face we must work hard for our fans.”

Atsu had a great game against Cardiff in the Sky Bet Championship two seasons ago when he curled home a wonderful free-kick.

He is now hoping to add more moments like that to his game, he said: “This season I will be more effective.

“The fans will see a big difference and I will provide more assists and goals.”