• Premier League

Barton committed to Newcastle despite Nolan sale

ESPNsoccernet staff
June 16, 2011
Joey Barton insists he is committed to Newcastle © PA Photos
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Joey Barton has expressed his desire to stay at Newcastle, following on from his initial disappointment at the imminent departure of Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan.

Barton tweeted angrily on Wednesday that more departures may occur after news surfaced that Nolan had gone for a medical examination at West Ham, where he is expected to be named the club's new captain on Thursday. Later, Barton revealed that he has no plans of heading toward the exit door at St James' Park, if given the option.

"I have got no ambitions to leave the football club, I don't want to leave the football club. I would love nothing more so than to win a trophy at Newcastle, the same way as a number of players. Whether I get the opportunity to do that is out of my hands," he told Sky Sports News.

28-year-old Barton has reportedly been told that his current deal, which expires in 12-months, will not be renewed at Newcastle. However, the midfielder pledged his loyalty to the club on Wednesday evening, and said he had faith that the team would come out of Nolan's likely transfer in a strong position.

"Obviously, it would be a great disappointment to lose Kev. He's a great pal and I think he has done fantastically for the football club. But this is the game we are in, unfortunately. Sometimes it is a little bit like ships in the night.

"Hopefully, the move breaks down, but if it doesn't, you have got to believe in the process of the football club, and no one player is bigger than the football club," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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