The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille for £5million in June. In doing so the French international turned down the opportunity to play Champions League football with the Ligue 1 outfit, instead choosing to test himself in the Premier League. Despite this being the first time Cabaye has played outside of his native France the midfielder feels he has already settled in his new surroundings and is determined to succeed at the Magpies. "I wanted to try something new and Newcastle offered me that opportunity," Cabaye told The Times. "They're a big club and I see this as a big step in my career. In my first match at Darlington, there were 6,000 of our fans. I was blown away. In France, we'd maybe get 200 people at a friendly game like that and since that moment I've never regretted my choice. I feel very lucky and happy to be here." "I could have stayed at Lille and played Champions League football, but Newcastle offered me the chance to play in the Premier League, the best competition in the world. "I want to prove to myself that I can succeed away from Lille in a different culture, that my family can adapt. I want to go to the next level." Despite a difficult summer on Tyneside that has seen captain Kevin Nolan follow Andy Carroll out of the exit door and the continuing feud between Joey Barton and the board, Cabaye remains excited by what the club can achieve this season, with Europe a realistic target. "Newcastle have a proud history of attacking football and I relate to that, I adore that," added Cabaye. "My first ambition is to give my best possible performances on the pitch and the second is to look at qualifying for the Europa League. This club has potential."
