Ben Arfa to force through move away from Marseille

(GSM) – Newcastle United target Hatem Ben Arfa is ready not to play again for Olympique Marseille in order to force through a move away from the French club.

The France international has refused to train with the team this season as he eyes a move away from Stade Vélodrome, despite having played 34 minutes of the opening Ligue 1 against Caen.

Club president Jean-Claude Dassier insists that Ben Arfa “remains part of the workforce”.

However, Ben Arfa told L’Equipe: “I will not return to La Commanderie (OM’s training ground). It’s over. I am ready to not play this season. I have my pride, my dignity. I am not a stop-gap.Over time, people will see that I was right. Just because we are paid does not mean we are slaves.”