Valentino Lazaro reveals why he signed for Newcastle United

Lazaro – who could make his full Premier League debut in Sunday’s game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium – joined the club on a half-season loan from Inter Milan last month after speaking to head coach Steve Bruce.

However, the 23-year-old admits that he had been “close” to signing for Leipzig, who, at the time, were leading the Bundesliga.

Asked about the decision, the winger told Sky Sports: “It was close, but, in the end, I just felt more welcomed here. Steve Bruce really convinced me that I could have a really good time here in Newcastle. I don’t regret my decision, and I’m very happy to be here.

“The team’s great, and the training is great. The atmosphere in the stadium is great, so everything has been really good so far – apart from the weather!”