"?Mo Diame has spoken out on his recent decision to switch life in the Premier League with Hull City to remain a Championship player by signing for Rafa Bentiez's relegated Newcastle United.
Quoted in the Chronicle, Diame is pleased with his decision to move to the north east after speaking confidently about the future of the Magpies under the stewardship of Benitez.
The Senegalese international was a key part of the Tigers' success over the 2015-16 season, netting a sensational winner in the play off final over Sheffield Wednesday to achieve promotion for Steve Bruce's side.
After securing a place in the Premier League courtesy of the Wembley showpiece, Diame concedes he did have to mull over a difficult decision following the conclusion of a 49 game league campaign.
The Championship is renowned for its gruelling nature with a Saturday-Tuesday schedule dominating large parts of the season, whilst it is recognised as one of the hardest leagues to get out of it.
However the size of Newcastle and the opportunity to work under Benitez, who less than a year ago was in charge of Real Madrid, was one that he could not turn down as the 29-year-old signed a three-year deal on Tyneside.
CONFIRMED! Mohamed Diamé is a Magpie! ???? #MagpieMo #NUFC pic.twitter.com/O9W0bKPemQ
"To be honest, everyone close to me knows I was desperate to play in the Premier League, to achieve this with Hull was a massive thing for me.
Despite having less than a month under his belt at St James' Park, Diame believes he has seen enough to suggest that the future is bright for the Geordies, and it was this that convinced him to sign for the club.
"When Rafa Benitez called me, I had to think about it. This is what I did, I had to think about where I want to be in two or three years. I took this decision, and I think I made the right choice.
"Newcastle is a massive club and a massive city, and with this big manager we need to do well this season and get back to the Premier League," added Newcastle's number 15.