Sylvain Marveaux reveals Hatem Ben Arfa convinced him to move to Newcastle United

Sylvain Marveaux – Rennes

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Newcastle United’s new signing Sylvain Marveaux has revealed the role compatriot Hatem Ben Arfa played in convincing him to leave France for St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old had looked set to move to Liverpool but instead opted to sign a five-year-deal on Tyneside, and is looking forward to linking up with fellow Frenchman Ben Arfa, and also Yohan Cabaye, another new recruit.

“I saw him Ben Arfa and spoke with him about Newcastle,” he told nufcTV.

“He told me that he was very happy to be here and he told me about the fans, everyone at the club, the stadium. It was a good thing.”

“I’m very happy to be here with Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye because I know them very well.

“We can speak in French – so for the adaptation it is good.”

The Frenchman struggled with injury last season at Rennes, and indeed has been forced to deny reports he failed a medical at Liverpool before moving to Newcastle.

However, he is now fit and admitted he cannot wait to sample life in the Premier League, adding: “I’m fit and I can’t wait until the start of the pre-season.”