Lejeune ready to embrace Tyneside life

The French defender linked up with United on Tuesday, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal after leaving Spanish outfit SD Eibar.

He trained with the rest of the Magpies’ squad the same day, as Rafa Benítez’s side gear up for their first pre-season friendly, a trip to Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian next Friday.

And, after being unveiled to the local and national media earlier this afternoon, Lejeune spoke of his desire to familiarise himself with Newcastle as a city.

“I have been staying in a hotel, but yesterday I had a look around near the river. I know the club a lot more than I know the city, but tomorrow, I will have my house and a car, so I will have the opportunity to go around and visit the city,” he said.

“I have (been doing) normal training this week, but mainly I have been getting to know my co-players. Even if I make a mistake in English, even if I don’t understand everything, I have (tried to) keep on going to improve my relationship with them.”

Having played for both Eibar and Villarreal in La Liga, as well as a string of clubs in France, Lejeune again made it clear that he is keen to make a name for himself in the Premier League.

“It has always been a dream,” he said. “I have played in Spain, in France, and everyone was telling me the English league is very important, and very intense. I really wanted to come and play here, and hopefully I will be able to prove that I am worth it. Usually, I don’t like talking about myself, but all I can say is that I will give it my all – I always give it my all – and then it will be up to the supporters to see the results, and support me.

“Newcastle have always been in the Premier League, and have always been a top-class club. What happened last year was just a bit of a hitch, but Newcastle are back where they belong and the objective is to stay here and go further.”