The Aston Villa forward almost joined Newcastle in the summer transfer window

Johan Manzambi left St James' Park complaining of being "kicked" during the 1-0 defeat for Newcastle United on Saturday night.

The Swiss international was taken off with 18 minutes left, but by that time, he'd already headed home what would be the winning goal. His strike rubbed salt into open wounds for Newcastle fans given that a £51million fee had been agreed with SC Freiburg in the summer, as well as a verbal acceptance of contractual terms from the youngster.

But at the 11th hour, the line went silent with sporting director Ross Wilson then discovering he'd taken up Aston Villa on their offer last summer. And while it was inevitable that Manzambi would haunt Geordie fans on Saturday night, the forward was quick to complain about being booted by Joelinton during the narrow win for his team.

As he headed for the exit, Manzambi was asked why he'd gone off before the end, but said: "It wasn't cramp it was a kick but it's OK. I have a little bit of pain but it's OK now.

"I'm very happy to score and I hope the next game both of us can score. But the most important [thing] is the three points."

Newcastle genuinely thought they'd won the race to sign the World Cup star last July but the move collapsed and Wilson was left to rethink his transfer plans.

When asked why he'd opted for Villa over Newcastle, the forward said: "The team (Villa) was really good.

"I played against this team in the final [of the Europa League] and it's a very good team with a big coach and I knew that was perfect for me."

Villa boss Unai Emery was left purring over the performance of Manzambi and said in his Press conference afterwards that he was delighted to pip Newcastle.

Emery said: "Skills and intelligence, both he has, and his physicality is very important as well to help us defensively and to help us try to keep the duels offensively.

"So happy. Of course, another goal he has scored.

"Fantastic for him as well. I don't know, then he was a bit tired and maybe something muscular, hopefully not much.

"He has been a very good impact with his qualities and his wish to join us in the same challenges and performances in the last three or four years playing as well consistency in the Premier League in the top positions as well in Europe."