Barton wants to stay with Newcastle United

15 June 2011 18:30

Joey Barton has reiterated his desire to stay at Newcastle as captain Kevin Nolan heads out of St James' Park.

Midfielder Barton, 28, was stunned to discover last month that he would not be offered a contract extension following unsuccessful talks in January. That means he could leave on a free transfer next summer if he is not sold beforehand.

But speaking to Sky Sports at Royal Ascot, Barton said: "I love the football club, without a shadow of a doubt, everyone knows that."

He added: "I have got a great working relationship with the manager and a lot of the other players, a few of the senior players who have been there through the ups and downs, the likes of myself, Kevin Nolan, Steve Harper, Smudger (Alan Smith) and a couple of others I haven't named.

"It's a difficult situation. I totally understand the club's point of view, but on the flip-side of it, it's hard for me to get drawn into it.

"I am an employee of the football club and I have got to go back and do a job in the summer.

"As far as I know, I will go back to Newcastle United and play until my contract runs out and they tell me I am no longer needed.

"I have got no ambitions to leave the football club, I don't want to leave the football club.

"I would love nothing more so than to win a trophy at Newcastle, the same way as a number of players.

"Whether I get the opportunity to do that is out of my hands."

Source: PA