Bernard: I'm Gutted To Leave Newcastle

By Matthew Jones
February 1 2005

After signing for Southampton yesterday, French full-back Olivier Bernard hopes he will be given the chance to play for Newcastle United again.

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness told the left-back that new-signing Celestine Babayaro would be the first choice for the left side of defence.

Bernard signed a 5 month deal with Southampton on Monday, but would love to return to St James' Park.

Speaking to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, he said: "I'm gutted to leave Newcastle.

"But the coach said to me that I would not play if Celestine Babayaro was fit, so I really had no choice.

"I need to play for my own benefit - I had to leave. I spent five years in Newcastle and it really hurts to leave.

"When you are not wanted somewhere you have to move on. It's hard for me.

"It's a difficult situation - that is why Southampton came for me. But it's a challenge to save the club from relegation."

He added: "Newcastle is a big club and I spent five years of my career there.

"When my career is finished, or even before if I can, I want to go back there. It is in my heart.

"I came here when I was 20 and people from Newcastle are really friendly. I made a lot of friends."