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PICTURE: Newcastle’s first signing of the summer

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Image for PICTURE: Newcastle’s first signing of the summer

Romain Amalfitano - Newcastle midfielderNewcastle United today confirmed that Romain Amalfitano will be their first signing of the summer and will join up with Alan Pardew’s men on the 1st of July when his contract with Reims expires.

This was the worst kept secret in many ways as it had been widely reported that Amalfitano would join Newcastle and the 22-year-old will hopefully be a great addition to the Magpies.

Amalfitano can play across the middle of the park and is most comfortable in central and wide right midfield positions, so in many ways can be seen as a direct replacement for the exiting Danny Guthrie.

Romain Amalfitano will join the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan and Mehdi Abeid as Newcastle’s French contingent continues to grow on Tyneside.

Amalfitano was understandably excited about the move, telling NUFC.co.uk that “I am very happy to be a Newcastle player. I have seen a bit of the city already and it is a change from France but one I am really looking forward to.

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“When a club like Newcastle wants you to play for them it can only be a good thing. I have taken the opportunity to play in the Premier League and cannot wait to get going.”

He also recognises how important it is to learn English, saying: “If I’m feeling relaxed and at ease off the pitch, I’ll play well on the pitch so for me, the biggest challenge will be the language. My parents have come with me this week so that I can show them the city, and my wife will be moving with me.”

“Of course, coming as a French person to England is not easy because there’s obviously the language barrier and I’ll have to adapt as quickly as possible, because I believe how you feel on and off the pitch is connected.”

Amalfitano was also pleased to get the move done early, further stating: “It was something that I did on purpose. I wanted to get the signing out of the way so that I can enjoy my summer knowing where my future lies, and now I can’t wait to get started.”

Finally the 22-year-old is making the most of the sunshine, as he said: “I’ve been told that this is the only two days of sun there has been all year. I heard that on Saturday, it was only seven degrees but in France as well, it was seven degrees.”

Here’s Romain Amalfitano holding the Newcastle away shirt, but what number do you think he will get?

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