Cacapa delighted with move to Tyneside

Written by Sam Wilson , 06.08 21h08

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Brazilian defender Claudio Cacapa said he was delighted to join Newcastle from French champions Lyon after watching his new club draw 1-1 with Juventus in a pre-season friendly at St. James Park.

The 31-year-old told the club’s website nufc.co.uk that he was looking forward to working with the Magpies boss Sam Allardyce and couldn’t wait to run out in front of the Toon Army faithful.

“I’ve been in Newcastle since last Sunday and I’ve really realised just how big a club it is and I hope I will be as happy here as I was in Lyon”, said the former Altetico Mineiro player.

“I’ve spoken with Sam Allardyce since I’ve been here and I’ve been really impressed and I want to play for him.

“I was at the Juventus match and, even though it was only a friendly, the fans were fantastic - they were shouting and singing and making lots of noise and I can’t wait to play at St. James’ Park.”

The experienced stopper was a key figure in the Lyon side that has dominated the French domestic scene in recent years, winning the Ligue 1 championship five-times in a row in seven trophy-laden years with the club.

And Cacapa is confident he still has plenty to offer his new employers in the notoriously tough English Premiership.

“I want a new challenge in a new country and the Premier League is a very competitive league,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot to prove because the fans don’t know me well here, but I want to show everyone that I’m good enough to play for Newcastle United and I’m confident I can do that.”

Newcastle fans will be hoping that Cacapa can prove his worth and helps bring some long-awaited silverware to Tyneside next season.

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