Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has reiterated his desire to stay at St James' Park following talks of a possible exit.
The 31-year-old was close to returning to his homeland of Argentina for personal reasons, but his boyhood club San Lorenzo were unable to strike a deal with Newcastle.
Despite originally considering a return to South America, Coloccini has insisted that he is happy to remain with the Premier League outfit.
"My dream is to play at the top level of football," Sky Sports News quotes Coloccini as saying. "My family could understand that and that's why I'm here now.
"My relationship with Newcastle and with the fans was very important in helping me to make my decision.
"I've supported San Lorenzo since I was small, but I feel something for Newcastle now."
The Magpies begin their Premier League campaign with a clash against Manchester City this evening.
Danielle Joynson
