Newcastle United Football Club

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Bassong hints at Magpies exit

21 May 2009 - 12:24:42

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Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong has dropped a strong hint that he will leave the club if they are relegated from the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has impressed for the Magpies since his arrival from Metz last summer, but will miss the final-day showdown with Aston Villa due to suspension.

Bassong told Setanta Sports: "In the case that Newcastle go down, then I would have to hold talks with the club after the last game of the season.

"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 backwards."

Of reported interest from Arsenal, Bassong added: "I spoke about Arsenal with some journalists because, like you, I read about their possible interest in me in the press.

"But it is just a rumour launched by the media, there is probably nothing."