Marveaux excited by Magpies

21 June 2011 11:11
Sylvain Marveaux has insisted it was not his second choice to join Newcastle after coming close to a move to Liverpool.[LNB] The Frenchman was expected to link up with Kenny Dalglish's side earlier this month after holding talks with Anfield officials.[LNB]However, it emerged over the weekend that Newcastle had won the race for the out-of-contract Rennes midfielder, signing Marveaux on a five-year deal.[LNB]The 25-year-old has already rubbished claims that he failed a medical with Liverpool, declaring that he is 'perfectly fit' but could not agree terms with the Reds.[LNB]But he maintains that he does not feel disappointment over missing out on a switch to Merseyside as he is delighted to have joined Newcastle.[LNB]Marveaux says the Magpies have been chasing his signature for some time and he is excited about what he has heard regarding the club's fan base and ambition.[LNB]He told France Football: "Indeed, I was very close to joining Liverpool. People knew I was a free agent and I didn't want to extend at Rennes. [LNB]"In January, Newcastle were the very first to contact me. Then, there was Liverpool, and I gave them my consent.[LNB]"But I never stated it was already done with the Reds. Then, last Thursday and Friday, there were some changes and I made the decision to sign at Newcastle.[LNB]"The medical at Liverpool went off smoothly, I am fit to play and perfectly healthy. Actually, things already established had to be negotiated again. [LNB]"So I decided to change my mind and sign with Newcastle, who never gave up. It was not a second choice.[LNB]"That club has big impact in England, with a wonderful stadium and amazing fans. The club also has a lot of ambition."[LNB]Marveaux is looking forward to playing in the Premier League after deciding 12 months ago that he wanted to leave Rennes, and a conversation with Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa helped persuade him to come to St James' Park.[LNB]"For one year, I wanted to play abroad. Last summer I could have joined another French club, but it was not sorted out," he explained.[LNB]"So I really wanted to change my league, discover a new context, and England quickly became my first choice. [LNB]"With Hatem Ben Arfa, we talked when we met at the rehabilitation centre at Clairefontaine. [LNB]"He told me, during the short time he played without being injured, he was very happy there.[LNB]"Today I feel perfectly fine and I will go on working during the holidays to come back perfectly fit for the resumption. [LNB]"I need to be fit at 100 per cent. But I don't put myself under specific pressure."

Source: Team_Talk