Newcastle sign Obertan from Manchester United

Posted on August 10, 2011 by SoccerPunter

The former France Under-21 international has joined the Magpies on a five-year deal after failing to establish himself as a Manchester United regular in two seasons at Old Trafford.

“Gabriel is a player I’ve watched for the last couple of seasons since he arrived at Manchester United,” Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said.

“His best years are ahead of him which is exactly what we want at this club, and with the backing of our magnificent fans I’m sure he will prove an excellent signing for us.”

“He has great pace and excellent technique and he has improved his power in the last 12 months and is ready now to make a real impact in the English Premier League,” he added.

Obtertan told his new club’s website: ”I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it’s a great move. I’m just really happy to be here because this is still a big club for me.

”It wasn’t really a difficult decision to come here. I spent two good years in Manchester but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games.

”I know it won’t be easy to play each game here, because there’s a good group, but I want a fresh start in my football.”

Obertan’s signing makes the 22-year-old the fifth French-born player to arrive at St James Park this summer following the signings of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid.