Midfielder Yohan Cabaye talks exclusively to nufc.co.uk after signing for Newcastle United from French champions Lille

By Anthony Marshall

Yohan Cabaye cannot wait to pull on the black and white Newcastle shirt after putting pen to paper at St. James' Park on a five-year deal.

The French international, aged 25, has arrived from Lille fresh on the back of helping his former employers and hometown club to the league and cup double.

Cabaye admitted it was hard to leave Lille, having come through the ranks at the Ligue 1 outfit, but is relishing the opportunity to play in the best league in the world, and in front of some of the best fans in the world at the "magnificent" St. James' Park.

The creative midfielder told nufc.co.uk in an exclusive interview: "I'm happy, I'm really happy. I've just seen the facilities and the magnificent stadium. The people are very welcoming so it's really great to be here.

"I want to adapt to the rhythm here, which is a lot quicker (than in France), and it is one of the best leagues in the world.

"I like being on the ball, playing with ball and making lots of passes. I am not a big dribbler, but I like unsettling the opposition with short or long passes. I like going for goal, but I am also a player who knows how to defend and make lots of effort to get the ball back.

"I am very excited for the season ahead, especially when I see the stadium and the facilities here. I am excited to start training and to meet my new teammates.

"I am really excited about discovering the Premier League, St. James' Park and all of Newcastle's fans, and hopefully this season will go as well as possible for the team and for me. I am really excited to wear this new shirt."

An exclusive first television interview with Cabaye will be on nufcTV later tonight. To subscribe to nufcTV, click here.