Newcastle new boy Sylvain Marveaux vows he will not be intimidated by aggressive Premier League

Ligue 1 : Joris Marveaux (Montpellier) vs Yann Mvila (Rennes)

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Newcastle United new boy Sylvain Marveaux has admitted that he will have to adjust to the Premier League‘s physical style but is confident of succeeding.

Many have suggested that the Frenchman, who was pursued for several months by Liverpool, could be intimidated by the English game, especially after seeing Hatem Ben Arfa suffer a horrendous leg break last season.

However, Marveaux told reporters: “I know what happened to Hatem but I’m not scared about being kicked. I’m ready for that. Every European league is hard, I will not be intimidated, I will be prepared for everything.

“There will be a bit of adjustment needed, but I’ve got a full pre-season to prepare for the start of the league and I will make sure I work hard in that time to be in the best possible shape.

“I’ve been warned the English league is faster and more physical, but it does not worry me. I’m athletic and I’m looking forward to playing that style of football.”

There are already doubts over Marveaux’s fitness, however. The 25-year-old was restricted to just 10 appearances for Rennes last season and did not play at all in 2011 after suffering a groin injury.

But the new signing has made it clear that he feels is ready to play and has denied reports that he did not pass his medical at Liverpool before choosing to join Newcastle on a free transfer.

He continued: “I did not fail my medical at Liverpool. I do not have a problem with Liverpool. There is no vendetta. I’m looking forward to playing them, but I’m looking forward to playing every team in the Premier League.

“It happened quite quickly in the end but the thing that impressed me most about Newcastle was how hard they tried to get me.”