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Hatem Ben Arfa has revealed he was almost in tears after being given a hero’s welcome by Hull City supporters.

A large crowd greeted the now former Newcastle United man when he arrived at the club’s training ground late on transfer deadline day to secure a season-long loan deal.

After an extra two hours was granted for the move to go through. Ben Arfa became a Hull player to the dismay of many Newcastle fans, but to the delight of the man himself.

Ben Arfa said: “The welcome was amazing. I was almost crying.

“I was shocked to see so many people there at midnight waiting for me. It was great and I thank them.”

(Image: 2014 Getty Images)

Ben Arfa, 27, believed he would be stuck at Newcastle and without a chance of playing beyond the deadline until a phone call changed everything. And he credited Steve Bruce for breathing life back into his career.

Speaking to the Hull website, Ben Arfa said: “Monday was a long day but I am very happy to be here.

“When I woke up on Monday morning, there was nothing on the cards. Then, in the afternoon the call came and everything happened very quickly after that. At 1.00am everything was complete and I was very happy.

“I’m very much looking forward to the start of a new challenge. The manager wants me here and that is very important. I’m looking forward to being back on the pitch after two months of only training.”

“The manager has made a lot of very good signings. There were many good players already here and then more have arrived this week. There is a very good squad here and I think the team can do something great for this city.”