Javier Manquillo has revealed he is determined to make an impact at St James Park following his permanent move from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
The Spaniard has spent the last three seasons on-loan across Europe, first with Liverpool, secondly with Marseille and finally with Sunderland last year during their relegation season.
After the difficulties of switching clubs so regularly, Manquillo is grateful for his fresh start and a permanent deal which he hopes will give him the time and confidence to go on and establish himself as a key player on Tyneside.
“That’s why I’m here, why I wanted to sign this three-year contract. I need that stability, I need to find a home, and a place where I can settle in and develop,” he told NUFC.co.uk.
“Starting at a new club every year was a bit crazy, because wherever you go, you start from zero. It’s really important for me to find that stability. It was a crucial aspect of my decision.
“You might finish a season really strongly, playing, consolidated in the team and the starting XI, but when you go to another club you have to make up a lot of ground. You have to get to know your city, your colleagues, your manager. In a sense, it’s as if all that progress you made, fighting your way into the team, is lost.
“Every time you join a new club you want to show them what you are about, show them what you can give, what type of player you are, and find your place in the starting XI. When you keep changing clubs every year, it can become a very tiresome process.”
After his move, the 23-year-old says he is enjoying life in Newcastle, and admits Rafael Benitez was a big pull in him joining the club just down the road from his ex-side Sunderland.
“I already knew the city, and that Rafa was going to be a great influence in my career. I’m more familiar with the language now, so I understand everything that is required of me. It was the perfect option for me to keep growing in my career.” he continued.
“Every player wants to reach their maximum, their absolute peak, and they want be coached by the best managers because that’s what’s going to take you there, to be the best you can be.
“Little by little, I’ve settled in. It’s been really easy from the beginning because I’ve been treated really, really well here by everyone at the club. I’m really grateful for that.”
