Santon reveals on Roma rumours and Pardew’s right back conspiracy
Posted on July 7th, 2012 | 65 Comments |
Firstly though, he spoke about his disappointment at missing out on a place in the Italian side for the recent European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. After mentioning that Santon had returned to the command of Alan Pardew “to toil under the pale English sun” (very pale in the case of Tyneside), the interviewer, Marco Guidi, suggested that Santon would have gladly given up his holidays to join the Azzurri for the championships. Santon replied:
“It would have been great. But it wasn’t to be. Prandelli (Italy coach, Cesare Prandelli) has made his choices and I have limited myself to cheering for the Blues in front of the TV. They had a great tournament until the final. We must say that Spain is very strong and when we were down to 10 it was almost impossible to get a result.”
Guidi: “In the future, are you confident of a return to the national team?”
Santon: “Well, a little, I think. But we must go step by step: if I continue to do well here in the Premier League, then I know I will have my chances. In 2014 we have the World Cup in Brazil, I would like to be there.”
Guidi: “For the time being you are the captain of the Under 21s, but there will be no Ciro Ferrara (ex Italy Under 21 coach) now he’s the new coach of Sampdoria. Sorry?”
Santon: “I must tell the truth, I was a little ‘I expected’. After the last game with Ireland, the coach had told us that in all probability would continue on another road. I wish him all the best in Genoa. Ferrara was important to me, gave me back confidence at a difficult time, even giving me the captaincy as well as wise counsel.”
Then Guidi turned the conversation to England, and Newcastle United, saying:
“Let’s return to England and the new season at Newcastle?”
Santon: “We are heavily loaded. Last year we almost qualified for the Champions League, something unthinkable earlier this year. Finally came the Europa League, which was still a nice finish for the club.”
Guidi: “And in Europe you could find yourself in front of the Inter (Santon’s former club).”
Santon: “I thought it would be exciting to go to the San Siro. But, if I choose, I hope not to face Inter. They’re putting out a good team and would be fearsome opponents.”
At this point, the converstion started to get very interesting from a Newcastle United point of view. Proving that reporters are stirrers the world over, Guidi then started a little mischief making with his next series of questions, but judge for yourself!
Guidi: About Inter and Newcastle, everyone wants Debuchy. Don’t these rumours bother you?
Santon: “No, I’m calm. At the end of last year Pardew had warned me that his intention was to make me play on the right, but that another would come in too. If it is Debuchy or whoever for him, whether it is a good player who can help the team. Then we see who the coach will decide to deploy.”
Hmm, well that certainly adds a little intrigue to the current Danny Simpson situation. If Alan Pardew had Santon pencilled in for the right back position from the end of last year, and is still looking for a third right back, and also, Santon mentions a player who isn’t at the club in connection with that position without even bothering to mention Simpson himself, then Simpson would probably be better off looking for a different club where his considerable talents would he would be more appreciated (and more well paid). Whatever, comments such as this may make his decision easier.
But moving on, Marco Guidi then carried on his naughty Italian mischief by reminding Santon that Roma are currently in the market for a full back, which led Santon into making another revelation about Roma’s interest in Santon himself. The player has been linked with the Romans off and on since before he joined Newcastle, with the club seeking a replacement for John Arne Riise, who is now a Cottager. Anyway, Santon then revealed that Roma came calling for him very recently, only to be rebuffed by the Magpies. On this, Santon elaborated:
“I know, I know (laughs). The Giallorossi (the yellow and reds) showed up a little ‘time ago, but Newcastle has now refused to let me talk. It’s OK with me, because I have settled in England and I have no intentions to move. I’m only here for a year and it’s too early to pack up and go back to redo.”
And that was that for what was certainly an enlightening interview in some respects from our “Italian Stallion”.
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NUFCBlog Author: workyticket
workyticket has written 1093 articles on this blog.
Very interesting article , and I’m pleased Santon is staying for now .The intriguing thing is the identity of the new player on the left , and if we are to have reserves on both flanks is that one or two left backs? We have Fergie and Raylor as reserves just as we have Tavs on the right but it clearly , to me , suggests incoming left backs . Pieters rising from his sick bed , or someone from under the radar.
As regards your poll about payments for advertising , do those who vote yes also agree that the club should pay interest on the £145Million loan MA makes to the club for free?