Mum's the word for Viana

Last updated : 23 June 2002 By Luke Thornhill

The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Toon last week in an £8.5million deal, a World Record fee for a teenager.

"I am determined to win things at Newcastle and I will fight to establish myself the same way I did at Sporting," Viana told the Sunday Sun today.

"But there are factors that we do not control and some of the best players in the world have had bad experiences abroad, so I will take my mother with me to England and then bring more of my family.

"I will have a teacher to help me learn English and I promise total commitment. I will not give up in the face of any challenge.

"I can't help feel a little sadness at leaving Sporting but it helps to know I have left the club better-off financially. Already I feel a little homesick for Sporting but I will look for the team's results next season and the club will always be in my heart.

"I have had a great year which I will never forget. First I came into the first team squad at Sporting, then I made the national team, went to the World Cup and now I am moving to a more demanding league. It has been a wonderful time for me."

He also said that being tagged the best young player in the world is nothing but a label, and that he still has to prove himself in the world's most demanding league.