Hatem Ben Arfa permanent deal sealed.
Posted on January 5th, 2011 | 59 Comments |
The player himself has made a statement about the signing on the club’s official website, where he said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Newcastle United on a permanent basis.”
“During my short time at the club, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the team and for the supporters too. This is a great club and I am very happy to be committing my future to them.
“I am getting back to fitness as quickly as I can and am really looking forward to getting back to St James’ Park, seeing the lads again, and of course working with Alan Pardew and his staff.
“During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of support from fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on the pitch later this season.”
Meanwhile, manager, Alan Pardew said of the new deal:
“When I came to the club last month, one of my priorities was to secure Hatem on a permanent deal.
“The last thing I wanted was for us to lose him when his loan ended so we’re really pleased to have agreed that deal today.
“He’s obviously a top player and he’s shown that in France, at international level and in his short time here at Newcastle.
“I’m delighted to secure Hatem as my first signing and once he’s back fit, I have no doubt he’ll confirm just what a superb player he is.”
Ben Arfa is quoted as signing for a sum of around £5.1 million, which really is quite remarkable for a young French international player of his undoubted quality. Alongside another recent signing of the club, Cheik Tiote, Ben Arfa is a player who has been compared with players who have cost several times the sum that Newcastle have paid for them, and both should be great deals for the club. Of course though, the player is still out of action after being viciously scissor tackled by Manchester City hatchet man, Nigel De Jong, which resulted in a double leg break in our away fixture with Manchester City on the 3rd October. It is thought that he will still be out for approximately another two months.
I find it weird that he’s a fans favourite after two games. But admit I was excited after the Everton game and devastated after the Man City game. Hope he’s back fitter than ever and produces more of the same from the Everton game.