Obertan spent the past two seasons at Old Trafford after joining from Bordeaux, but struggled to establish himself in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team plans. The Frenchman made 28 appearances for the Red Devils and his only goal came in a 3-0 win away to Bursaspor in the Champions League last season. He is happy with his decision to join the Magpies and is expected to be in contention to make his debut against Arsenal at St James' Park on Saturday. "I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it's a great move," Obertan told the club's official website. "I'm just really happy to be here because this is still a big club for me. "It wasn't really a difficult decision to come here. I spent two good years in Manchester but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games. "I know it won't be easy to play each game here, because there's a good group, but I want a fresh start in my football." "I have come here with a lot of ambition," he told Sky Sports News. "I just want to play football." Magpies boss Alan Pardew has been a long-term admirer of Obertan, who will help to fill a hole in the squad created by Wayne Routledge's departure to Swansea City. Pardew said: "Gabriel is a player I've watched for the last couple of seasons since he arrived at Manchester United. "He has great pace and excellent technique and he has improved his power in the last 12 months and is ready now to make a real impact in the Premier League. "I contacted Sir Alex about him early at the start of the summer to see if there was an opportunity to bring him to Newcastle, but it wasn't until Wayne Routledge joined Swansea that we were able to bring him in. "His best years are ahead of him which is exactly what we want at this club, and with the backing of our magnificent fans I'm sure he will prove an excellent signing for us."
