Ben Arfa: Signing for Paris Saint-Germain a childhood dream

Jan 14, 2013 10:45:00 AM

The Newcastle midfielder has claimed that joining the Ligue 1 title contenders would be a move he would find almost impossible to turn down, but is happy on Tyneside for now

Newcastle United star Hatem Ben Arfa has admitted that he would be open to a move to Paris Saint-Germain, if they made a bid for him.

The attacking midfielder, 25, is currently in France while he recovers from a hamstring injury and says a return to his native country would be an opportunity he would find difficult to pass up.

Despite his apparent desire to return to his homeland in the future, Ben Arfa maintains that he is happy to stay at the Magpies and is determined to help them avoid relegation on his return from injury.

Speaking to Le Parisien, he said: "I'm under contract with Newcastle and I am very happy. Firstly, I must save my club [from relegation]. Then once I have saved my club, you never know.

"Signing for PSG is a childhood dream. If there is a proposal, I will study it with interest. If there is a proposal - 'if' is important.

"PSG... its sound lives in my heart. If I could play there, it will be a beautiful gift.

"PSG is a symbol in football. So, yes, PSG is a part of me. I had all the players' posters when I was little. Parc des Princes is 15 minutes from my house today."

Newcastle’s fortunes this campaign have been invariably different to those of last season. The Magpies have already lost Demba Ba to Chelsea this window while Fabricio Coloccini is reportedly seeking a return to Argentina.

On the pitch the team are also struggling, having only won two of their last eight games, but Ben Arfa is eyeing a return within the next month and is hopeful of playing a key role in ensuring their survival.

"I should be able to resume [playing] in mid-February," he continued. "I rehabilitate from Monday to Friday at the medical centre at Clairefontaine. Morale is good because I'm in Paris and with family.

"But when I see the games on television, it is not easy. The team needs all its players."

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