France manager Didier Deschamps has claimed that midfielder Didier Deschamps has been reborn since his move to Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old struggled to earn regular playing time in his 18 months at Paris Saint-Germain and returned to the Premier League in a £10m move to the Eagles to link up with former boss Alan Pardew.
Cabaye has thrived since his move and he has helped Palace enjoy an impressive start to the season by notching three goals in eight matches in the top flight.
Deschamps told reporters: "Re-birth is a big word for an international player like him. He did not play often enough with his club, or at least not during the important games. It was frustrating for him.
"We spoke before he made this decision to join Crystal Palace. He chose sports over other things. He is joining a smaller club, with a coach who was very anxious to sign him up, and now he does not need to wonder whether he will play the next game or not.
"It changes many things for him in terms of habits and pace. He also scored penalties and recent games showed he has regained a satisfying level of influence."
France face Armenia and Denmark in back-to-back friendlies over the next week.
Simon Sinclair
