‘Curious answer’ from Newcastle signing leaves bigger questions being asked as he explains

In the world of professional football, a player’s introduction to a new club is usually a carefully managed affair.

Through a series of friendly videos and interviews, fans get to know the person behind the player—their interests, their inspirations, and their personality. Most of the time, these sessions pass without much drama.

But every so often, a simple, innocent answer can spark a surprising reaction, turning a routine welcome into a talking point.

That’s exactly what happened when Newcastle United’s record signing, Nick Woltemade, sat down to introduce himself to the Geordie faithful.

The young German striker, who joined from Stuttgart in a deal worth up to £69 million, seemed to be doing everything right. In a series of videos released by the club, he came across as likable and thoughtful.

He shared his love for pasta, discussed the toughest defenders he’s faced name-checking the likes of Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano and generally seemed excited to begin his Premier League journey. Then came one seemingly harmless question: “Who is your all-time favorite German player?”

It’s the kind of question that usually invites a safe, respectful answer. Most players might mention a legendary figure like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Lothar Matthäus, or even modern icons like Miroslav Klose or Philipp Lahm.

These are the established names, the players who defined eras and won World Cups. But Woltemade’s answer was different. Without hesitation, he named Kai Havertz, the current Arsenal forward.

The response, as covered by German outlet Frankfurter Rundschau, was immediate and intense. Described as a “curious answer,” his choice left many viewers in his home country baffled and some, outright offended.

Comments flooded the video, with fans and pundits alike questioning how a player representing German football could overlook decades of legendary figures in favor of a contemporary star who, while talented, is still writing his own story.

It’s important to remember that Havertz is undoubtedly a fine player. A Champions League winner with Chelsea and a key figure for both Arsenal and the German national team, he has achieved a lot at a young age.

But placing him above the timeless greats of German football? That’s what many are struggling to understand. As the newspaper pointed out, the list of legends he seemingly overlooked “could be extended indefinitely,” from Beckenbauer’s elegance to Müller’s ruthlessness in front of goal.

There are, of course, perfectly reasonable explanations. Perhaps in the moment, Woltemade simply misheard the question, thinking he was being asked about his favorite current player rather than his all-time idol.

Maybe, as a young player himself, he feels a stronger connection to someone actively competing in the same league he’s about to enter. It’s also possible that he genuinely holds Havertz in that high regard, admiring his style of play and his success in England.

Whatever the reason, the incident highlights how every word from a modern footballer is scrutinized. For Newcastle fans, it’s likely little more than a curious footnote a mild surprise that adds a bit of character to their new signing. After all, what matters most is what he does on the pitch, not who he names in an interview.

But in Germany, the reaction has been more pointed. It’s seen as a slight against the nation’s rich football history, a reminder that the new generation sometimes views the game through a different lens.

Whether Woltemade feels the need to clarify his comments remains to be seen. One thing is certain: he’s already given people a reason to talk.

And if he starts scoring goals at St. James’ Park, this whole episode will be remembered as nothing more than a quirky start to what Newcastle fans hope will be a legendary career of his own.