Fabricio Coloccini, who came extremely close to leaving Newcastle United last January, has revealed that he is now happy to stay at Tyneside after sorting out his differences with the club.
The Argentine defender was linked with a move back to his home country with San Lorenzo extremely interested in securing his services. The 31-year-old said that he wanted to leave Newcastle because of several personnel problems, but Newcastle were steadfast in their refusal to allow the player to leave on a free transfer.
He was signed by the club for £ 10 million a few years ago and he has become one of the important members of the squad. He is the captain of the club right now, and Newcastle wanted much of the transfer fee they paid for him. San Lorenzo were unable to come up with the fee, which was astronomical for Argentine clubs with their limited resources. Ahead of the opening match of the season against Manchester City, Coloccini has said that he is very much looking forward to the year ahead with Newcastle.
He has said that there was definitely desire to leave Newcastle back in January, but it is all behind him now and he wants to give his best to Newcastle.
“My dream is to play at the top level of football. My family could understand that and that’s why I’m here now. My relationship with Newcastle and with the fans was very important in helping me to make my decision. I’ve supported San Lorenzo since I was small, but I feel something for Newcastle now. It’s well known that Pope Francis is a big San Lorenzo fan. He has a season ticket and everything,” said Coloccini.
Newcastle recently received an offer for midfielder Yohan Cabaye from Arsenal. He is unlikely to play in the match against City.