'Alex is a mate': Dan Burn reflects on the Alexander Isak transfer saga now that it has reached a conclusion
Even while on international duty, Newcastle United's players aren't safe from the inevitable questions about Alexander Isak.
Isak's move to Liverpool dominated the headlines for pretty much the entire summer, thanks in large part to the tactics employed by the Sweden striker to force through a move to Anfield.
The 25-year-old refused to train with the squad and ducked out of the squad's tour of Asia, faking an injury to do so.
Right up until his move, which went through on deadline day, moments before the window closed, there was an air of toxicity around the entire situation.
Dan Burn answered the questions around Alexander Isak as a player and a fan
Now, representing England, Dan Burn has been quizzed by the media about his feelings towards Isak, but the Newcastle supporting centre-back was very level-headed with his response (via the BBC).
"I am glad it is done. We wanted the transfer window closed to have a bit of clarity on it. I have been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they have got things they want to achieve.
"Alex is a mate and it is a tough situation because you want him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him what he needs to do personally. I have nothing but good wishes for Alex.
"No animosity. As a Newcastle fan, we are very protective of our club and city and we want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle and you don't want them to naively think that there is anyone else to go apart from Newcastle. So I understand why our fans are frustrated.
"I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously."
The discourse isn't going to just go away now that he's had his move
The questions aren't likely to just go away now that the deal is done. In fact, we already know that Isak is going to dominate the questions when Eddie Howe faces the media next Friday ahead of the game with Wolves.
However, now that there has been a line drawn under things, we hope that our fans can start to move on and be less affected by the questions and responses that are going to be circulating.
The damage is done now, there's nothing we can do to change things, but we will make our voices heard when we face Liverpool again, we're sure.
