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Factfile: Georginio Wijnaldum
Written by Newcastle Utd
Everything you need to know about Newcastle United's new signing Georginio Wijnaldum
Everything you need to know about Newcastle United's new signing Georginio Wijnaldum
- Wijnaldum was born in Rotterdam on 11th November, 1990 - and his family are still based in the Dutch city.
- Known as 'Gini', he joined the Academy at Sparta Rotterdam aged just six, and spent seven seasons in the youth set-up at his local club before joining Feyenoord.
- Rising rapidly through the ranks at De Kuip, Wijnaldum made his first team debut for Feyenoord in April 2007, aged 16 years and 148 days - a new club record.
- He scored his first league goal in December 2007, in a 6-0 Eredivisie victory over Heracles AImelo.
- In June 2011, Wijnaldum signed for PSV Eindhoven and soon established himself as a key player in the famous red and white stripes of the Dutch giants.
- He was named PSV's captain in the summer of 2013 and led his side to the 2014/15 Eredivisie title - the club's first since 2008.
- As well as lifting the league championship last season, Wijnaldum was also named the Dutch Footballer of the Year.
- The 24-year-old ended his time at PSV with an impressive record of 56 goals in 152 appearances in all competitions.
- Wijnaldum represented Holland at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level before making his senior international debut in September 2011 - scoring the final goal in an 11-0 win over San Marino.
- He featured for Holland in the 2014 World Cup, and scored in their 3-0 victory over hosts Brazil in the third-place play-off match.