Newcastle left back Achraf Lazaar has revealed that he had a choice between Newcastle and Fiorentina before leaving Palermo for the Magpies in the summer transfer window.
The Moroccan international was interviewed by the Italian media about his move to England and he said he felt that Newcastle was the right move for his career. He is quoted by the Evening Chronicle as saying:
“I had to choose between Newcastle and Fiorentina. Fiorentina are a great club, but my head and my family have told me, ‘Go to Newcastle’.”
Playing in English football seemed to be the biggest draw for the 24 year old, who has spent his entire career in Italy, both at youth and senior level:
“England has always been my dream, then Newcastle will go in the Premier League and it has everything to be great. I build my future thinking of the present, you never know what can happen – maybe I’ll end my career at Newcastle or elsewhere. Today I want to give my all for Newcastle, who believed in me and who have shown that with actions, not words.”
Lazaar was Palermo’s first choice in Serie A for the past two seasons and will no doubt be expecting to become a first team regular at St James’ Park. He was however on the bench against Derby County last weekend, and didn’t even make the squad for the Magpies match against QPR on Tuesday night with Paul Dummett still first choice at left back.
