What A Difference Six Months Makes

Last updated : 05 September 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Glenn Roeder had lost patience with the Newcastle midfielder because of his poor attitude and constant use of his mobile phone at inappropriate times ... such as in the dugout when the Magpies were playing!

But Newcastle have seen a change of manager, and obviously a total change of attitude from N'Zogbia. So much so, he has committed his future to the club by signing a new five-year contract.


The 21-year-old Frenchman, who was called into the France Under-21 squad earlier this week, has ended speculation over his future on Tyneside by putting pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at St James' Park until 2012.

It was said the kid was unsettled when Arsenal were interested in him, but if the truth was known, the Gunners never once tabled a bid or even phoned Roeder to ask about him.

Arsene Wenger said in an interview that he "liked the look of N'Zogbia" after his side had played the Magpies, and the media built it up from there.

But injury problems didn't help either. A knee injury meant he played a minor role as United closed out the 2006/7 campaign and he seemed to be well down the pecking order with Roeder looking to buy in the summer.

However, things have certainly changed under Sam Allardyce, even though N'Zogbia is asked to play at left-back, a position he has made his own this season.

N'Zogbia: "I am happy to sign my contract and I see my future with Newcastle United because it is a great club.

"I admit towards the end of last season I was not happy and I thought I might be leaving the club, but everything is different now with the new manager.

"I have always loved the city, the fans and the club and wanted to stay here. I'm delighted now that I'm playing and I'm really enjoying my football."