Magpies exit for Rozehnal
10 Jun 2008 - 14:36:12
Newcastle United have confirmed the departure of defender David Rozehnal to Lazio following a successful loan spell.
Rozehnal was brought to Tyneside last summer by former manager Sam Allardyce in a £2.9million deal from Paris St Germain.
The 27-year-old Czech Republic international started 16 Premier League games for the Magpies before he was allowed to leave on loan in January following the appointment of Kevin Keegan as manager.
Rozehnal, who is currently away on international duty at Euro 2008, made seven Serie A appearances for Lazio and has now joined the Rome club on a permanent basis.
"Following his successful loan period, Lazio have exercised their option to purchase David Rozehnal," confirmed a Newcastle statement.
"The sale will mean Newcastle United recovering the fee paid to acquire David from Paris St Germain last summer."
Speaking towards the end of the Italian season after taking time to adjust to Serie A, Rozehnal admitted he would consider a permanent move to Lazio.
He said: "In the last five games I have played from the start and it has given me the self-confidence I had when I was playing for Paris St Germain.
"If I was playing then I would definitely come. It is important for me to play regularly."
