He may have swapped one of the biggest clubs in the world to sign for Newcastle United, but Gabriel Obertan knows that he has joined another of English football's most famous clubs.
Leaving Manchester United for St. James' Park was not too hard a decision for the 22-year-old Frenchman because with the size of their fanbase and their proud history, The Magpies are a huge draw for him.
And added to the potential to play more regularly - he played 15 times in all for Sir Alex Ferguson's side last season - Obertan is happy with the move he has made.
When he spoke to nufc.co.uk moments after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract, the quick and direct winger said: "I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it's a great move.
"I'm just really happy to be here because this is still a big club for me.
"It wasn't really a difficult decision to come here.
"I spent two good years in Manchester but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games.
"I know it won't be easy to play each game here, because there's a good group, but I want a fresh start in my football."
And he admitted there's no better place for him to do that than at St. James' Park, with the Toon Army fans a big incentive for a player who played in the Champions League last term.
"I've heard a lot about the fans, the atmosphere, the passion around the club and the way the city is just behind the club 100 per cent," he said.
"So I think I'm going to love it."
http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20110809/ober-the-toon_2281670_2414541
