Coloccini Credits The Fans With His Decision To Stay

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has told The Guardian why he decided to stay at the club and not further push a move to his home country of Argentina. Colo was subject to much speculation in the January transfer window, with reports that he was unsettled in the North East and wishing to return to his family, and the club his father works for, San Lorenzo. The situation was made worse by various press statements from "representatives" of San Lorenzo who appeared to be deliberately causing tension between the two clubs.

Newcastle managed to keep the 31 year old at the club until the end of the season, when he then announced that he would be staying.

He told The Guardian;

"As you know, I had personal problems. I spoke with my family this summer and had to take a decision. I told them I've worked all my life to have my dream of playing at the top level of football. It was a difficult conversation but they could understand that and that's why I'm here now. I made my decision in the middle of the holidays.

I am here now and I am happy. My relationship with Newcastle was very important in making my decision. All the fans in the street, when they stopped me, they asked me to stay and those things sometimes make the difference.

Newcastle is a special club for me, of course. I've supported San Lorenzo since I was small but I feel something for Newcastle now. I've been here five years and the fans are amazing. I have a contract for a long time here and hopefully I can see out that contract."


On tonight's game where he could come face to face with Sergio Aguero he said.

"Sergio's very good. He's a good man and a fantastic player. I'm good friends with him. How we can stop him is difficult to say because he is a top player and can do what he wants every time. We may have to give him a little kick."