Of the five French signings made by Alan Pardew during this January transfer window, it is the capture of the 23-year-old midfielder that has excited the supporters more than any other.
Moussa Sissoko: “Patrick had a fantastic career here in England and if I can replicate that then it would be absolutely fantastic for me.
“And why not even try to go one better if I could?
“Obviously, it is a pleasure to be compared to someone of his ilk. But Vieira is Vieira. I am Sissoko. We are two different players. I will go out to play my own game.
“I have set myself high objectives and I will give my best to get Newcastle out of this situation, finish as high as possible, and do as well as I possibly can for the club.
“It is very flattering to hear that the supporters are excited about my signing. It’s nice to know they wanted me here so much.
“It’s now up to me to go out on the pitch and prove myself, to show them the kind of player I am.
“I want to enjoy my time playing for Newcastle, but it is also important the fans enjoy watching me play for their team. They have always come, they have always supported the team, and we really need them at the moment.
“So I will go out and give 100 per cent effort and show what I can do.
"I am here to play. I played last weekend for Toulouse and if called upon then I will be 100 per cent ready to play.”