I want to be a legend like Shearer - Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic says Alan Shearer is his idol and
wants to earn Newcastle United's fabled number nine
shirt through his performances.

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic wants to become
a legend like Alan Shearer at St James' Park.

Ahead of Sunday's crucial Wear-Tyne derby against rivals
Sunderland, the close-season signing from Anderlecht
discussed his hopes for his career with his new side.

Mitrovic understands the history at Newcastle and is desperate
to ensure his style of play emulates that of Shearer so that he
can one day earn the fabled number nine shirt for himself.

"Here it is like a religion to have a real number nine strong
striker," he told the Mirror.

"This is the most special place for strikers to play. All strikers
who score here are big players and they come after legends. It
is an honour to be a striker here. I hope I have a lot of goals
here to celebrate.

"I always look at those legends. Shearer is number one here.
Everyone was behind him. He did a lot for this club and this is
how I want to play. Maybe one day I can become a legend. It is
just beginning.

"I have 204 goals to go! I have time! Shearer came here when
he was 26 until 36. Why not!

"I hope to meet him as he is my idol. I only came here two
months ago and I don't want to leave soon, so it [a meeting] will
happen.

"I want to earn the number nine It is a big responsibility at this
club. We know who was number nine before. You earn it by
scoring big goals in games like Sunday. For now, I am happy
with 45."

Mitrovic hopes to use his experience of playing in tense derbies
between Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade when it
comes to facing Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The striker continued: "We talk about dangerous derby games -
that is a dangerous game!

"In Serbia, [there is] so much rivalry from the fans. Out on the
pitch, before and after the game, there is really a problem of
fights between the fans. It is really dangerous.

"But I play two derbies and I had really good experience from
them. We are black and white, they are red and white, and in
Serbia it is the same. It is a coincidence and a good omen!"