Ben Arfa: 'I'd love to be United's new Robert'
HATEM Ben Arfa would love to emulate countryman Laurent Robert and become a cult figure on Tyneside.
But the loan signing insists he's not another Robert, who had a rollercoaster five years at St James's Park.
While both are left-footed wingers, Ben Arfa insists the two are very different players.
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"I knew that Robert was popular here," Ben Arfa told the Gazette. "But we aren't the same type of player – the only similarity is that we're left footed.
"I'm pleased that Laurent had such a good time here, and hope I can be as popular. I hope it can all work out well, and I stay.
"My main aim is to work hard for the team and to do what is necessary for the club. I have a lot of confidence from the people I have seen on the training field.
"After seeing the skills of the players, I feel even more confident that the team can achieve success."
And Ben Arfa – who refused to train with his club, Olympique Marseille, after his move to Newcastle United stalled – says his fitness isn't an issue ahead of his anticipated debut against Blackpool on September 11.
"I wasn't training with Marseille, but I hired a personal fitness trainer to make sure I didn't fall behind and lose any fitness," added the 23-year-old.
Ben Arfa, a friend of former United defender Habib Beye, was at the famous Clairefontaine academy with Sebastien Bassong.
"I know a lot of players that have played here, and I heard very good reports from these players about Newcastle before I joined the club."
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Monday 21 May 2012
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