Fabricio Coloccini’s on-field skills have not been in question during a tumultuous season for Newcastle United; He is a strong, if unheralded, defender.
Yet reported family problems back in Argentina had him in the news during both the August and January transfer windows, something that certainly didn’t help Newcastle’s consistency.
But the 32-year-old has said he’ll be back on Tyneside next season in a happy turn of events for Magpies supporters, who were without their captain for a combined three months this season and have regularly watched their best players skip town or be sold.
From SkySports:When asked if he would stay at United, Coloccini told the Shields Gazette: “For sure. I’m going to be here.”
Coloccini says he has overcome the issues which prompted him to ask for a move.
“I had personal problems,” said Coloccini. “Sometimes it’s tough. You have to decide between the problems and the work.
“Sometimes it’s too difficult. Now it’s finished, and next season I will be here. I’m looking forward to improving.
“We want the best for Newcastle United... We will try to do well and finish in the top eight, or something like that. We will always try to improve.”
While Newcastle supporters won’t love reading “the top eight, or something like that,” they’ll note that Coloccini probably has the same concerns they do regarding owner Mike Ashley’s low-spending year-plus on the books. With Loic Remy looking set to find European pastures, Newcastle needs reinforcements on offense even with Colo back in tow.