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Ben Arfa wants to be the Toon Cantona

Ben Arfa has rediscovered his love for football since his return from a broken leg © PA Photos

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Hatem Ben Arfa has not ruled out a late call-up to the France squad for Euro 2012, and wants to become the Premier League's new Eric Cantona.

The Newcastle United midfielder, whose introduction against Sunderland helped the Magpies rescue a point at the St James' Park, has struggled to win a starting role under Alan Pardew since returning from injury.

But after struggling for motivation on his return to football, Ben Arfa now believes the sky is the limit - and he is right at home on Tyneside.

"I have no desire to leave England," the 24-year-old said. "They play real football here with passion, and the fans are great. I have already played at Milan, Madrid and Barcelona, but it is in England that I feel the best when I am on the pitch.

"I would like to conquer England like Cantona did," he continued. "I see my ambitions the same now as at the start - to become one of the best. Of course I have lost a bit of time in my career, but, in my life, I have the impression I have gained some.

"Really, it is a shame that a career cannot be made between 24 and 40 years old because then I would have more chance, but let's see in three or four years. Then, I see myself at the top, winning for example the World Cup in Brazil or the Ballon D'Or. Because I still have lots of dreams."

Ben Arfa suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg against Manchester City in a challenge with Nigel de Jong not long after joining Newcastle on loan from Marseille in 2010. Newcastle stood by the midfielder, making the transfer permanent while Ben Arfa was still sidelined.

He did not play again until the summer of 2011, and admits that the road back has been anything but easy.

"When I came back after my injury, I no longer had the desire to play," said Ben Arfa. "I found that the football they played was too far away from the one I loved. Even if I had dreamed of being a pro since I was little, I did not understand this game. Then, little by little, I refound my love of the game. The pleasure returned."

Ben Arfa has eight caps for his country, having scored twice, and was disappointed not to get a call-up to play in France's friendly against Germany last month, but still believes he can make Laurent Blanc's squad for the summer.

"To me, the Euros don't appear impossible," he said. "There are always players who get into the squad at the last minute. I know that I have already missed two [tournaments - Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup]. But I am still hoping. I need only to push on a bit with Newcastle from here to the end of the season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.