Chris Wood, now a standout performer for Nottingham Forest, has revealed the emotional challenges of leaving Newcastle United and how the decision has revitalized his career.

The New Zealand striker joined Newcastle in January 2022 for £25 million after the club activated his release clause at Burnley. However, just a year later, he moved to Nottingham Forest on loan, which included an obligation to buy, with the transfer becoming permanent in June 2023 for a reported £15 million.

While his exit initially seemed a step down, the move has proven transformative. After netting 14 Premier League goals last season, Wood has already equaled that tally for Forest in the 2024/25 campaign.

A Tough Goodbye

Reflecting on his time at Newcastle, Wood admitted that leaving wasn’t easy.

"Leaving was tough," he told FourFourTwo. "I was really enjoying my time there with my teammates and the friends I’d made. I wanted to stay and be part of the club’s exciting project, especially with us sitting fourth in the league. But at 31, I just wanted to play football."

Wood credited Newcastle manager Eddie Howe for his honesty about his reduced role at the club.

"Alexander Isak was coming into his own and showing his quality. Eddie was straightforward with me and said, ‘At the moment, you’re going to be third choice.’ I thanked him for his honesty and mentioned the opportunity at Forest. He supported my decision, and I really appreciated that."

Resurgence at Forest

Wood’s move to Nottingham Forest has been a revelation. In contrast to his modest return of five goals in 39 appearances for Newcastle, he has flourished at the City Ground. His most memorable performance came on Boxing Day 2023, when he returned to St. James’ Park and scored a stunning hat-trick in Forest’s 3-1 win over his former club.

"It all happened quickly," Wood explained. "Forest needed a striker, and I wasn’t playing regularly at Newcastle. I saw an opportunity to play more, and it’s worked out perfectly."

Newcastle’s Loss

Despite Newcastle making a £10 million loss on Wood’s transfer, his success at Forest underscores the value of regular playing time. While the Magpies continue their push for Champions League football under Eddie Howe, Wood’s story serves as a reminder of how pivotal individual opportunities can be for players.

Now thriving as Forest’s talisman, Chris Wood has proven that stepping away from a top-four club in search of consistent minutes can reignite a player’s career—even if it means haunting your former team along the way.