Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is pleased to have lost his "bad-boy tag" which had blighted his early career.

The 25-year-old had a troubled upbringing and was known as a bit of a hot-head during his playing days at Marseille.

However, after recently firmly established himself in the Magpies' starting XI and having his attitude described by boss Alan Pardew as "exemplary", Ben Arfa feels that he has matured and overcome his problems.

He said: "I am happy that I've not got that bad-boy tag any more. I have gained maturity.

"We all ­improve in life and I feel that I did. We all do bad things in life but then we have to rectify them and get better.

"There was big pressure on me in France. But it is part of life and I take ­responsibilities for that status. It was good to come to England. I feel less of the pressure that there was in France."

Ben Arfa stated earlier this month that he wants to "conquer England like Eric Cantona did".