Hatem Ben Arfa has revealed he will not change his maverick tendencies but insists he is adopting a more professional approach to his game. The Newcastle forward has produced the type of dazzling performances in recent weeks - three goals in five matches - that are seeing him finally fulfil his potential. Ben Arfa, however, was renowned in France for his technical ability and playground dribbles. He gave an example of it the other day in training as he went around the goalkeeper, and then waited to beat him again, before shooting wide. His impudence prompted some of his team-mates to scold him but after recovering from his double fracture of the leg, the France international maintains he will not change his game. "I have matured and grown, especially with this long injury but, deep down, I remain the same," he told The Independent. "The other day in training everybody shouted at me because after tricking the goalkeeper I then waited again to trick him again and then shot wide. I know it annoys everyone and I know I won't change. But, it's that kind of football that I like. "However, I am adapting and I am correcting myself to fit into the professional mould because I know I am paid to win matches and not to amuse myself, but learning to adapt doesn't mean I will forget my instinct." As a youngster much was expected of Ben Arfa who at times has struggled with the responsibility that accompanies being a professional footballer. However, at Newcastle, he seems to found a spiritual home and a place where maverick footballers are adored by the public. He added: "I feel right here. I do not want to leave England. This is real football, it is here that you have it, with passion, excitement, and the public. "I have already played in Milan, Madrid and Barcelona but it is here that I feel right on the pitch. And also it is here that the players are respected. "You need to realise and can you believe it that when Newcastle was relegated in 2009, the players did a lap of honour and the fans still applauded them during that last match. "Since I was a young child, everyone is waiting for me to produce. To resist all that, you have to be more solid. The problem is that I often feel I have disappointed more than pleased people." .
Didnt even know he played for barca! Can kinda see it in some ways! Id totally agree with what he said and i love watch players like him and Frei (Of Fulham) running at defenders!
He will no doubt start attracting interest from the money bags clubs so I intend to enjoy the few games that remain.
Maybe we should pretend he is awful?? Throw a smokescreen up so the likes of Liverpool (However awful they are) dont come knocking again (We all know Liverpools scouts just watch match of the day and then chuck 20-40m on the players that Linekar and Lawrenson say are good).
He's ****, i mean really dire. Totally, absolutely atrocious. The goal the other day was a fluke, he had his head down and should have passed rather than keep going. What a tool, a liability and should be dropped to the reserves. (Just in case any scouts are reading)
He's a known trouble maker, which for us is a good thing because the squad and manager are happy to make allowances for his tantrums as long as he is pulling his weight on the pitch which he has done recently. Would a club be prepared to do that having stumped up £20-30m for him? I'm not sure.
I love him more than ever. The kid is a genius. The worry is he'll get the big offers and go but he may just look around and think "you know what, I'm enjoying myself and I'm happy". Probably not but I don't think he sounds like he is itching for a move. He has been easily influenced in the past (he joined a cult FFS) which is a concern where agents are involved.
