‘They are just unbelievable’ – Former Crystal Palace midfielder assesses impact of James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic
BY ANDREW MCSTEEN
After leaving Crystal Palace last summer to join the free-spending Nottingham Forest, Cheikhou Kouyate returned to SE25 last Sunday when the two teams played out an end-of-season 1-1 draw.
The game was significant for the home side as both James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic – with a combined 451 Palace appearances between them – were appearing at Selhurst Park for the very last time before leaving the club themselves this summer.
And while the Nottingham Forest players waited around for their post-match transport, Kouyate was invited by his former teammates to be part of the ‘Guard of Honour’ for both McArthur and Milivojevic as they walked out of the tunnel for the very last time.
“A little bit emotional because these two guys – they are just unbelievable,” said the Kouyate about why it was important to pay his respects on the pitch to his fellow midfielders.
“They are very good men, very good players and very good captains. I just wish all the best for them, because they deserve everything. It [must be] so hard [for them] because Macca and Luca have six or seven or more years each [with the club], so they’re going to have a little bit or a big bit of emotion.
“It’s just unbelievable,” added the former West Ham player upon his return to Selhurst Park. “I had four unbelievable years here – lovely fans, lovely people, lovely guys. I’m happy to come here today and play against them – the draw is good as everyone is happy.”
In an injury-affected season, Kouyate managed just 21 Premier League games for his new club but played a large part in the newly-promoted side maintaining their top-flight status for a second, successive season.
And the 33-year-old cannot wait to get going for next season and another trip to South London.
“This year, I have too many injuries – I go to work, I had an injury, I come in again, have an injury,” he added.
“It’s not easy, it’s been up and down, but we are happy. In the beginning, [there were] new players, a new team. For everybody, it’s not easy – for the staff and for the players. But we worked well, we stayed together, and we deserve to stay in the Premier League.”
PICTURE: BY KEITH GILLARD
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