Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that they have signed Hatem Ben Arfa from Nice. The Frenchman had endured a terrible spell with Newcastle United in the Premier League, but redeemed his career at Nice, enticing PSG to sign him on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Ligue 1 champions until 2018.
PSG made the announcement on their website, confirming that the French winger has signed for an undisclosed fee, with reports earlier claiming that Ben Arfa was offered a massive €280,000-a-week wage.
Ben Arfa, who scored 17 times and assisted 6 goals for Nice last season, expressed his delight at signing for PSG, saying “Signing with Paris Saint-Germain is a very happy and a proud moment. Paris Saint-Germain has always been a very special team for me, so to wear this jersey at the Parc des Princes is a childhood dream.”
“It is an honour that the Club is giving me this opportunity, making this dream come true. I will do my utmost to represent my new team to the best of my abilities and to make our supporters proud. Finally, I would like to thank OGC Nice, who helped me get back to enjoying my football again and gave me another chance to show French fans what I am capable of on the pitch.”
Ben Arfa’s signing could placate fans
PSG fans had a bit of uncertainty with the club’s direction, especially since talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic had left the club after seeing out his contract, signing for Manchester United. However, the signing of a player who was nominated for the Ligue 1 Best Player of the Season could placate fans, especially given Ben Arfa’s familiarity with Paris, having taken his first football steps in Clairefontaine.
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Ben Arfa had also been heavily linked with Barcelona, with Nice President Jean-Pierre Rivere confirming that the French forward was in talks with the La Liga giants. Hoever, PSG have moved quickly to sign Ben Arfa, with a view to earning another superstar at the club, a signing which could please new manager Unai Emery.
