Former Swansea City centre-back Federico Fernandez left the Championship to return to the Premier League with Newcastle United this summer
Swansea’s loss is Newcastle United’s gain.
On transfer deadline day this month, The Magpies paid £6 million to bring Argentine centre-back Federico Fernandez over from the Liberty Stadium, according to Sky Sports. As a result, Rafa Benitez now has plenty of depth at centre-back while Swansea are scouring the market desperately searching for a replacement.
The 29-year-old is yet to make his Newcastle debut with Benitez preferring a defensive partnership of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark so far this season. But, speaking to The Chronicle, Fernandez has revealed why he decided to leave South Wales for the North East.
“There’s passion here. I can see that already,” Fernandez, who also worked with Benitez at Napoli, admitted.
“When I first went to the stadium people were visiting and there are people that come to the training ground waiting for the players to speak to them.
“It’s a city that is very passionate. I love to see that. It’s where I want to play my football. You want that passion in every single game. I’m happy to sign here and be here for the season.”
So while Benitez deserves plenty of credit for striking a deal to reunite with his former Serie A centre-back, the Newcastle fans too should give themselves a pat on the back.
Because it seems that the raucous atmosphere they create every weekend, regardless of problems on and off the pitch, has convinced Fernandez that this is the place he wants to play his football.
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