Howay Cabaye – New signing gives his first interview to NUFC
Posted on June 11th, 2011 | 48 Comments |
Today, the new signing gave his first interview to nufcTV and, as you might expect, answered questions put forth to him by an interviewer. Being the kind and generous soul that I am, I decided to transcribe all 5 minutes of it for you all! (Also in the event you, y’know, don’t have nufcTV or something.)
Anthony Marshall: Yohan, welcome to Newcastle. Are you pleased to be here?
Yohan Cabaye: Yes, I am very happy, I am really happy. We have just seen the facilities and the magnificent stadium. The people here are very welcoming, so it’s really great to be here.
AM: What were your first impressions of Newcastle and St. James Park?
YC: As I said earlier, it is a magnificent stadium which is very impressive, and from all the players who haveplayed here and the people I have spoken to, they have all said it has an amazing atmosphere. I am really excited to meet the fans and see what the stadium will be like when it is full. I was pleasantly suprrised by the stadium and how full it can get.
AM: You spent your whole career at Lille; how difficult was it to leave?
YC: It is true that the last game of the season was difficult because I knew I would be leaving. It was difficult, I knew it would be, but not as sad as the moment when I left. It is true that I have only known Lille, and that is where I am from, so leaving that region and my family is not something that is easy. But there you go, that is what you have to do for football. And I am coming with my wife and daughter so I’m very happy to come here and it is not a problem leaving my home region.
AM: People talk about the Premier League being the best league in the world. Is that the case in your opinion?
YC: For me, there is the Premier League and the Spanish league, which represents lots of things. At every game there are many fans and the match itself creates an incredible atmosphere. I want to adapt to the rhythm here, which is a lot quicker, but I’m certain that it is one of the best leagues in the world.
AM: You had a fantastic season last year winning the league and cup double in France. Was that the highlight of your career so far?
YC: It is the highlight of my whole career – it is my first two titles, and that will be engraved on me forever. It was some fabulous moments, as winning something with the clube who have trained you isn’t easy. The club hadn’t won anything for 50 years, so all the players and staff were really happy. It’s the highlight of my career since I started.
AM: And winning four France caps as well, how proud are you to play for your country?
YC: Very proud. Really, really proud. Each player wants to represent their country for sure, and when the opportunity presents itself it is an enormous moment to play for your country. It is somethign really great in my career, and I hope to be able to continue to play as playing for the national team. It is something very important.
AM: Does playing at Newcastle give you the opportunity to gain more French caps?
YC: I don’t know! I am just hoping I am going to have some good matches for Newcastle and am going to integrate myself. If I am lucky enough to be good on the pitch then I hope I would continue to be called up for the national team.
AM: For those people that don’t know can you explain to us what sort of player you are?
YC: I like being on the ball, I really like playing with the ball and I like making lots of passes. I am not a big dribbler, but I like to unsettle the opposition with short or long passes. I like going for goal, and am also a player who knows how to defend, and make lots of effort to get the ball back.
AM: Are you excited about the season ahead with Newcastle?
YC: Yes, especially when I see the stadium and the facilities that are here. I am excited to start training and meet my teammates but now I am going to make the most of the holidays seeing as last season was so long. I am really excited about discovering the Premier League, St. James’ Park and all fo Newcastle’s fans. I hope this season goeas as well as possible for the team and for me. I am really excited to wear this new shirt.
AM: The double last season in France was your first domestic honours as a player; is that something you hope to build on at Newcastle?
YC: Yes, it is true that winning makes you want to win, and winning a title – with all the emotions that go with it is amazing. You always want to win after that and I hope to have the best results possible with Newcastle and see how the season goes. I am certain that it makes me want to earn other titles.
AM: And finally do you have a message for the Newcastle fans?
YC: I am very happy to have signed for Newcastle. I am excited to meet you and know the atmosphere you can create at St. James Park and I hope that we will win quite a few matches next season to make you happy as well!
So basically the lad is really, really, really happy to be in Toon and loves the word “really”. From what I’ve seen of him at Lille and at International, he is a very tidy player and I’m sure he can certainly bring something new to the team – he’ll also give another French speaking player to Ben Arfa who is a bit like a fish out of water at times due to the language barrier.
Let’s all give Cabaye a hearty, Geordie welcome to Newcastle!
I am Glad, lets keep the incoming door open.