Former Newcastle United defender David Rozehnal has opened up on his regret at leaving French giants PSG to move to Tyneside, admitting he never felt the move was right despite it being widely recommended.
Move to Newcastle and Quick Exit
Rozehnal joined the Magpies ahead of the 2007/08 season under Sam Allardyce and made 25 appearances during the first half of that campaign. However, the former Czechia international defender did not settle in the region, and after Allardyce was replaced by Kevin Keegan, he joined Italian side Lazio on an initial loan deal until the end of the season before making the move permanent that summer.
His last game for Newcastle came against Arsenal at the Emirates on January 29, 2008.
Regret Over Leaving Paris
Rozehnal was settled in Paris prior to his move to Newcastle and was part of the Les Parisiens' side that won the Coupe de France in 2006. In a fresh interview, he outlined his regret over leaving Paris 19 years on from making the move.
"I regretted leaving a good team with great fans, where I had shown what I could do, to go to Newcastle, which everyone around me said was the best choice, but I did not feel it," Rozehnal told Flashscore. "Petka, my wife, taught me that your first thought, your intuition, is important."
Outstanding Trophy Claim
Rozehnal had just been named PSG's player of the season in the season previously, and he has revealed he is still waiting to receive his trophy.
"I never received such a trophy, so I would like to claim it. I went on holiday and then never returned there, which I regretted. I had good relationships there and felt comfortable, but I left for Newcastle. Maybe I will go and collect that trophy one day."
