Injury troubled schemer wants to stay at St James’ Park.
Hatem Ben Arfa has ruled out a move away from St James’ Park this summer confirming his desire to stay at Newcastle, Sky Sports reports.
The 26-year-old had been the subject of a proposed move to Liverpool that would see former Magpies striker, Andy Carroll go the other way and rejoin his former club.
However, the mercurial French winger has rubbished those reports by claiming that he is happy in the Northeast and hopes to return to European action with the club despite their exit from the Europa League this week.
“I want to stay here, it is only journalists who talk about that. Me and my agent have not talked about that. I am focused on Newcastle and 100% Newcastle. I hope to stay here,” he said. “We have a great team. I’d love to play for this team in Europe again. We won’t next season but after that we can maybe go again.”
“Everything is here. It is a great club. We have a great squad, big ground and great fans.”
Newcastle couldn’t turn around the 3-1 deficit against Benfica this week and could only manage a 1-1 draw. They will miss any European action next season as the club are still hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.
Ben Arfa returned from a hamstring lay off for the second leg and his fitness will play a crucial role in their final run in. He has made just 15 appearances this season and scored three times as injury has marred his impact at the club this season.