Aleksandar Mitrovic
Aleksandar Mitrovic, the former Fulham striker, is fondly remembered for his prolific goalscoring during his tenure at Craven Cottage. Initially arriving in the Premier League as a promising talent from Belgium’s top flight, Mitrovic joined Newcastle United at the age of 20 after a successful stint with RSC Anderlecht. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t prevent Newcastle’s relegation in his debut season. His time at St. James’ Park was marked by inconsistency in selection under manager Rafael Benitez, leading to his eventual move to Fulham, initially on loan. At Fulham, Mitrovic thrived, scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances during his loan spell, which prompted a permanent switch in the summer of 2018. He went on to score an impressive 99 goals for the club, including a remarkable 43 goals in the 2021/22 season under Marco Silva.
Mitrovic said: “It’s hard to speak about Marco, because we have a really good connection. He wasn’t just my coach; I consider him a friend as well. We talk often, every few weeks we have a chat about football and life. For me, he’s one of the best managers I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. There is not just one thing to pinpoint, I think he is amazing in every aspect – tactics, man-management, he sees football really well. He’s an amazing guy.”
Mitrovic’s admiration for Marco Silva is evident, as he praised the manager’s tactical acumen and man-management skills. Silva, who has been leading Fulham since 2021, successfully guided the team back to the Premier League and has maintained their top-flight status. Mitrovic’s journey has since taken him to the Qatar Stars League with Al-Rayyan, where he is now accustomed to competing for top division titles, a stark contrast to his experiences in England, where he faced relegation three times.
Mitrovic said: “When you get relegated, you feel kind of guilty. Doesn’t matter how much you play; you’re a part of the squad that got relegated. I always wanted to make it right and bring Newcastle and then Fulham back. I’m glad they’re doing well now. Newcastle has had a few really good seasons, reached the Champions League, and Fulham wasn’t far away from European places either, and I hope in the future they will get there. So at the times of the relegations, I didn’t want to leave them because I felt good and loved there, even at times when we were in the second division, I felt the fans wanted me to stay.”
Mitrovic’s reflections highlight his emotional connection with both Newcastle and Fulham. Despite the challenges of relegation, he remained committed to both clubs, expressing a sense of responsibility and a desire to help them return to the top flight. His sentiments resonate with fans who appreciated his loyalty and dedication, even during difficult times. As Newcastle enjoys success in the Champions League and Fulham edges closer to European competition, Mitrovic’s legacy as a key figure in their recent histories remains intact.
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