I regretted my decision to join Newcastle United - I should have trusted my gut
David Rozehnal played just half a season at Newcastle United after joining from Paris Saint-Germain.
David Rozehnal admits he regrets leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Newcastle United.
The Czech defender joined the Magpies from the French giants for £2.7million in the summer of 2007, signing a four-year contract. However, his time at St James’ Park proved to be short-lived.
Rozehnal was brought to the club by Sam Allardyce, who was sacked in January 2008. Kevin Keegan succeeded Allardyce and allowed the centre-back to join Lazio on loan on deadline day, despite having made 25 appearances during the first half of the season.
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The Italian side signed Rozehnal permanently at the end of the season, meaning he spent just half a season on Tyneside.
Reflecting on his move to Newcastle 19 years ago, the 41-year-old admitted he regretted leaving PSG.
“I went on holiday and then never returned there [Paris], which I regretted,” Rozehnal told Flashscore. “I had good relationships there and felt comfortable, but I left for Newcastle.
“I regretted leaving a good team with great fans, where I had shown what I could do, to go to Newcastle, which everyone around me said was the best choice, but I did not feel it.
“Petka, my wife, taught me that your first thought, your intuition, is important.”
Rozehnal spent two years in Paris, making 96 appearances, before his switch to the North East of England.
After just one full season at Lazio, Rozehnal had a short spell at Hamburg before spending five years at Lille. He ended his career at KV Oostende, hanging up his boots in 2018.