Haidara feels at home with Toon

Newcastle's latest French import Massadio Haidara chose the Magpies because Alan Pardew has assembled "a Ligue 1 team in the English league".

Last Updated: 24/01/13 at 22:11 Post Comment

Massadio Haidara: Looking forward to playing for Newcastle

Massadio Haidara: Looking forward to playing for Newcastle

The 20-year-old left-back completed a move from Nancy today, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract at St James' Park.

Haidara is the fourth new signing of the January transfer window by Pardew - all of them French - joining compatriots Yoan Gouffran, Mathieu Debuchy and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa at the Barclays Premier League club.

For Haidara, it will be a home from home and he told l'equipe.fr: "I feel like I'm in France.

"It's a Ligue 1 team in the English league.

"I haven't had the chance yet to meet everyone. Only Mapou (Yanga-Mbiwa) and Yoan (Gouffran). We crossed paths at the medical and we're in the same hotel.

"It's good, we're going to see each other regularly."

There are now 10 French players at the club and Haidara added: "Yes, that counted. I'm still very young, I need help. To go overseas, it's a bit like going into the unknown. That should help me to adapt."

Haidara leaves Nancy bottom of Ligue 1, with just one win all season, for 16th-placed Newcastle, who have taken just four points from the last eight games to leave them two points and two places off the relegation zone.

However, he believes the teams' plights cannot be compared, saying: "It's not the same struggle, we're not in the 'red zone'."

In fact, he insists he did not have to think about such things once he was aware of Newcastle's interest despite other clubs also making overtures.

"It's true that there was Fiorentina, Roma and Milan, but I wanted to play in the Premier League," he continued.

"It's the league that I was most attracted to, which corresponds best to my style of play. When Newcastle came in, I didn't hesitate."

Haidara has played for France at under-19, under-20 and under-21 level and, given the World Cup is looming in Brazil next year, it would be understandable if he felt the move to the north-east could improve his chances of forcing his way into the senior squad.

However, he is not looking beyond establishing himself at Newcastle.

"I'm going to try to adapt to the English game first, to earn a place in the team and make an impact.

"The ideal scenario, for me, would have been to leave in June and finish the season with Nancy.

"But given that it suited the directors and that it was a big club in for me, it doesn't bother me. Everyone is happy."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Jack Wilshere wants to captain Arsenal and England

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed his long-term ambition is to captain both his club and country.

Lampard: Mourinho is the best

Frank Lampard has hailed former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as "the best" ahead of an expected return to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Ferguson wins LMA Manager gong

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the LMA's Premier League Manager of the Year, with Malky Mackay, Gary Johnson and Martin Allen also rewarded.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved