Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle defender Bassong stuns Toon: If we go down, I'm off
Defender Sebastien Bassong says he will leave Newcastle United if they are relegated to the Championship on Sunday.
The Magpies are locked in a battle for survival with Sunderland, Hull City and Middlesbrough and must get a result at Aston Villa on the last day of the season to avoid the drop.
But Bassong, 22, who was sent off in Newcastle's 1-0 defeat at Fulham last weekend, has confirmed he will be not be around to help Alan Shearer's side bounce back up if the worst happens at Villa Park.
'In the case that Newcastle go down, then I would have to hold talks with the club after the last game of the season,' Bassong told Setanta.com.
'Everybody knows that I am an ambitious boy, and playing Championship football never crossed my mind.
'You have to have a plan for your career, and playing in the second division would be a step backward.'
The Frenchmen, however, says he hopes temporary boss Shearer stays at St James' Park on a permanent basis next season.
'I hope that Alan Shearer will stay, whatever happens on Sunday,'Bassong added. 'I understand that he likes the job and is enjoying his time as manager.
'Of course he uses his charisma, status and experience as a player, but it helps him transmit his message to the squad.
'Obviously some managers are more about tactics than him, but hemakes you forget his so-called lack of experience as a coach thanks tohis experience on the pitch.'
