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Meet The New Boy!
Written by Newcastle Utd
Everything you need to know about Newcastle United's new signing, defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Newcastle United have signed centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, from Montpellier.
The 23-year-old has agreed a five-and-a-half year contract at St. James' Park and takes on the number 13 shirt.
Mbiwa may be an unknown quantity to some Magpies' fans, so here is a brief lowdown on the talented French international:
// Born in Bangui, in the Central African Republic, Yanga-Mbiwa moved to France as a toddler and grew up just outside Marseille.
// Joining Montpellier at the age of 13, he progressed through the youth ranks at the Stade de la Mosson.
// The centre-back's professional debut came at the age of 17, on 23rd February, 2007, as they lost 1-0 to Bastia.
// Yanga-Mbiwa helped La Paillade win promotion from Ligue 2 in 2008/09.
// After representing France at Under 21 level, the defender has gone on to win three senior caps, with his debut coming last August in a friendly against Uruguay.
// Yanga-Mbiwa was named in Les Bleus' preliminary squad for Euro 2012, but missed out on the final cut.
// He captained Montpellier to their first ever Ligue 1 title at the end of last season.
// The defender has made 28 appearances in total this season, and appeared at the Emirates Stadium in November, as Montpellier faced Arsenal in the Champions League.
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