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Ben Arfa happy on Tyneside

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 8 Jun 2012

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Hatem Ben Arfa insists he is happy at Newcastle United and has no plans to leave, but admits a huge offer would be hard to resist.

The France international is under contract with the club until 2015 and was a key part of Alan Pardew’s side last season, helping guide them to fifth in the Premier League, and has attracted interest from a host of big clubs.

Ben Arfa, currently with the France side as they prepare to face England in their opening Euro 2012 fixture, said it would take something very special to lure him away from the north east.

“If I don’t have a really very, very serious proposition, I will stay,” he told Sky Sports.

“If a big club comes but doesn’t propose me something very exciting, which means the coach really wants me, I will stay.

“If I don’t feel trust from the coach at 100 percent, I will not leave. I have three years remaining on my contract. But I know it can go quickly.”

When the 25-year-old initially joined on loan, his time was cut short by an horrific leg break and he returned to parent club Marseille.

But Newcastle signed the playmaker on a permanent basis last year and Ben Arfa feels his fortunes have changed considerably since his injury, having established himself in the France squad.

“I have settled in that team, I have trust from the coach, chairman and all the fans,” he said. “I have never been settled like that.

“It is not England that changes a player, it is being a foreigner in England that changes your life. An average match doesn’t become a drama any more.

“My broken leg? I experienced very difficult moments. When your thigh looks like a calf and you have no more strength, I thought I was very far from the French team.

“I worked so hard to be back and, when I remember all that, today I am happy.”

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