Newcastle United‘s midfield star Moussa Sissoko has insisted that he is not a ‘star,’ but that he takes the job of a professional footballer seriously.

In his first interview in England since moving to the Toon in January from French side Toulouse, the 23-year-old insisted that his feet are firmly on the ground.

As a child, Sissoko drove past the Stade de France and was reminded that football was a “way out to a better life.”

He told The Mirror: “People say I am a big star now, but I do not consider myself a star.

“They signed me for my skills and to add to the team, not to be a ‘star’.

Serious

“In terms of work, football, I try to be serious. It is a serious job on the pitch.”

Sissoko grew up in Paris and promised himself that if he ever became a professional footballer, he would take the job seriously.

He was told from a young age that he could have what it takes to become a professional footballer.

And he is now rapidly becoming an integral part of Newcastle’s squad, and a part of the French international side.

Joie de vivre

But the Magpies’ new playmaker remains down to earth.

He added: “Away from the training ground, I like to laugh, go out with friends and, when not playing, enjoy a party or two.

“But I am quite reserved, in all truth perhaps a little shy. But I like to laugh and show joie de vivre.

“When I was young, people in my family either played football or loved football.

“We used to watch a lot of football and I always wanted to get out there to practice. I could not wait for school to finish!”

Newcastle snapped up Sissoko for just £2million after his Toulouse contract was nearing its end. The previous season he was worth around £12million.

He has had an immediate impact on the team, scoring three goals and creating a number of assists.

But no matter how big of a star Sissoko gets, it seems he will never admit it, and will continue to take his football seriously.