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Ben Arfa wants to stay at Newcastle

Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has said he is desperate to stay at the club even if he continues to be out of favour with manager Alan Pardew.

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caption:Ben Arfa was left out of the squad against Arsenal.
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The France international has been on the fringes of the Newcastle side because of a combination of injuries and a lack of fitness.

Ben Arfa -- who was left out of the squad for Monday’s defeat at Arsenal -- said he had a frank exchange with Pardew following the 4-0 defeat by Manchester United on April 5, and it was reported that he was made to train with the reserves last week.

But the former Lyon and Marseille man told the Daily Mail he wants to stay at St James’ Park and added: "I don't know why I'm not playing. You have to ask the manager. After the defeat against Manchester United, we had a strong exchange of words, but that is it.

“He doesn't want me to play. I respect it. If he wants, I will play. I'm here for the club. I enjoy training. I just want to play. I'm fit.

"If the manager says to me he doesn't believe in me for next season, I want to stay, but if the chairman wants to sell me I have to go. I want to stay here even if the manager doesn't believe in me because I will show him I can play here."

Newcastle have lost their last six Premier League matches, with the mood among the Toon faithful turning against Pardew.

"We have lost too many times -- 3-0, 4-0, 3-0. It is hard when you love the supporters, it is hard to lose every time like that," Ben Arfa said.

"On the pitch, I can offer my flair and my creativity. I try every time to do something. I think I can give a lot for the club."