Fabricio Coloccini hopes to end transfer speculation, insisting he will give '100 per cent' to the Newcastle cause
Newcastle captain had told the club he wanted to return to Argentina
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fabricio Coloccini has spoken about the problems that forced him to seek a move away from Newcastle during the January transfer window.
Coloccini met with club officials on January 10 to inform them of his desire to return to Argentina and last Wednesday he said he would not be returning after talks about negotiating a release form his contract head broken down. At that point he was warned he would face legal action for breach of contract and that forced a dramatic u-turn.
The 31-year-old posted a letter on the San Lorenzo website at the weekend, in which he raised the possibility of leaving St James' Park in the summer.
For now he will continue as Newcastle captain and he will lead the side out at Aston Villa tonight in a crunch relegation fight.
"I think everybody has problems outside of their work in life," he said today. "It is difficult, but now I am here and all I have in my head is to make sure we are in the Premier League next year. That is my only objective.
"I heard in the city and around the club that the fans think I have my head elsewhere thinking about other things, or that I am not the same player as last season but like I say, for me football is my life, I love it. When I am on the pitch, I give everything to win.
"I give 100 per cent. I did that at Newcastle, Deportivo La Coruna or any club I've played at. The fans have to know and be sure that when I am the field, I give 100 per cent. I am the captain of the team and I take the responsibility.
"Everybody in life has problems and it is normal. That is life.
"I am alone here with my family. We don't have grandparents here or uncles and aunties. It does make it difficult, not for me personally because I come to work everyday, but for my kids and wife.
"Here though, the club and the fans are my family at the moment. The love that they give to me with my song and on the pitch for me is fantastic. It's the best present they can give me.
"I never spoke to any team, the only reason to go back to Argentina would have been personal problems but they knew I am a supporter of San Lorenzo and the fans were excited because they thought 'he supports us and this is a big chance to come to San Lorenzo'.
"The last few weeks, there has been a lot of talk about my future but I am staying here, and of course I will give 100 per cent like I always do. I have been here five years and Newcastle has given me a lot and done a lot for me. I have to be true to the club. I will give 100 per cent.
"I love football and once I am on the pitch, it is different. The problems I have are outside the pitch. I think if you look at a game like Norwich or the last few games, I have played normally. The results were not the best, but I have given everything to try to win."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments