Anthony Elanga explains Newcastle struggles after £55m move from Nottingham Forest

Anthony Elanga has admitted his first season at Newcastle United fell well below his own expectations but insists he is physically and mentally ready to make a much bigger impact this campaign.

The Sweden international endured a frustrating debut season following his £55 million move from Nottingham Forest, failing to score a Premier League goal despite arriving at St James' Park as one of the club's marquee signings.

Speaking to Newcastle's official website, Elanga acknowledged that his first year on Tyneside did not unfold as he had hoped.

"I've reflected a lot and I'm a different player now, I'm a different person from last year, from yesterday."

The winger explained that he has learned from the experience rather than dwelling on it.

"I always try to forget about the past, but learn from it, and move forward with what's ahead.

"I know last season wasn't the way I wanted it to go, or what I had planned in my head. But I know the type of player I am."

Despite his struggles at club level, Elanga impressed for Sweden during the World Cup, scoring against both the Netherlands and Japan.

The 24-year-old believes those performances, coupled with a strong pre-season, have put him in the perfect position to bounce back.

"I know what I'm capable of doing, so it's all about focusing on the now, staying present and moving forward with confidence and precision. I'm ready for this season to start."

Elanga also revealed he has returned for pre-season in the best physical condition of his career.

"For me, physically, I feel the best I've ever felt. I just feel ready to go. I feel sharp, I feel good, I feel quick, strong. I just want to go out there and show it."

The winger believes the lessons learned from last season have helped him develop both on and off the pitch.

"I've grown a lot as a player, as a person. I've learned a lot from what I did last season."

Elanga will hope to carry his encouraging pre-season form into the Premier League as Newcastle begin a new era under Matthias Jaissle. After a difficult first campaign, the winger is determined to prove why the Magpies invested heavily to bring him to St James' Park.