Ben Arfa has just signed for Nice on a free transfer from Newcastle United.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa appears happy to have signed for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, with the controversial Frenchman claiming that he would’ve turned down Real Madrid to secure the transfer according to reports from the Mail.
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Ben Arfa, who has endured an unhappy time on loan at Hull City this season where he fell out with manager Steve Bruce, was released by mutual consent by Newcastle United after a prolonged spell in the wilderness in recent days – and immediately moved to the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer.
The former Marseille winger, whose promising career has consistently been dogged by disciplinary problems, claimed that his heart was set on a move to Nice after speaking to the club’s experienced manager, Claude Puel, and that even a phone call from Real Madrid would’ve been unable to convince him otherwise:
“I also spoke to the coach (Claude Puel), I liked his integrity and his approach to football and within 10 minutes, my choice was made. Even if Real Madrid had called at that moment, my mind was made up!”
Ben Arfa will have his work cut out sorting out the issues at Nice, who find themselves just four points above the relegation zone in the French top flight and have been unable to back up moving into a plush new stadium with form on the pitch.