Source: Northern_Echo
The rough stuff does not intimidate Marveaux
NEWCASTLE new boy Sylvain Marveaux insists he is not afraid of suffering the same fate as Hatem Ben Arfa, even though he admits English football is much more physical than he is used to.[LNB] Marveaux became Newcastle's third summer signing when he signed a five-year deal on Saturday morning, just a matter of hours after a separate set of negotiations with Liverpool had broken down.[LNB] At the time, it was rumoured the 25-year-old had failed a medical on Merseyside. A senior Liverpool official yesterday confirmed that was not the case, but Marveaux's failure to make a single start since last November because of a groin injury has nevertheless raised concerns about his ability to cope with the cut and thrust of life in the Premier League.[LNB] Ben Arfa made just four appearances before a crunching challenge from Manchester City's Nigel de Jong left him with a broken leg.[LNB] Like his French compatriot, Marveaux is a quick-heeled winger who invites hefty challenges from his opponents.[LNB] However, the former Rennes wideman insists he has no fears about what could lie in store for him.[LNB] I know what happened to Hatem, said Marveaux. 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.[LNB] 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.[LNB] It might take me a little bit of time to settle, but I don't think it will take long. I speak some English so that will help me with my team-mates and living in the city.[LNB] 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.[LNB] Marveaux's arrival at Newcastle was clouded by the sudden breakdown of his proposed move to Liverpool, but it was a failure to agree personal terms rather than an unsuccessful medical that resulted in a late-night trek to Tyneside.[LNB] Having signed his first professional contract with Rennes in 2006, he helped the French side progress from the group stage of the UEFA Cup in his first full season.[LNB] He enjoyed his most successful campaign in 2009-10, scoring 12 goals in 38 appearances, and would have joined West Ham last summer if Rennes had accepted the London club's £3m bid.[LNB] As it was, he remained in Ligue One, but will formally join Newcastle on July 1 as a free agent.[LNB] I'm really pleased to be here and I have a really good feeling about coming here, said Marveaux. It happened quite quickly in the end but the thing that impressed me most about Newcastle was how hard they tried to get me.[LNB] They made me feel wanted, the welcome I was given, and that is why I signed. I was in advanced talks with Liverpool but then they started to change the details of the contract.[LNB] They were causing problems and I wasn't happy with what was happening. I was close to signing for them, but Newcastle came in and that was it, I signed for them instead.[LNB] 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.[LNB] When I realised I would be leaving Rennes at the end of the contract, I wanted to come to England and I feel this will be a very good move for me.[LNB]
