Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has played down his instant impact.

Sissoko has been a revelation since his January arrival from Toulouse.

"People say I am a big star now, but I do not consider myself a star," he told the Mirror. "They signed me for my skills and to add to the team, not to be a 'star'.

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

"There have been careers in the past ruined by not being serious enough. It is important to be serious on the pitch, but off it to clear my head and relax and enjoy myself.