Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has stood by his words saying that he wants to remain at the club for as long as he can.
On his way to Royal Ascot yesterday, Barton caught wind of captain Kevin Nolan's proposed move to West Ham United, Tweeting that he felt 'sick' but that he would stay even if his good mate was sold.
Later in the day he spoke to Sky Sports and said that he would stick by his words if the Nolan deal went through and today, after learning that the former Magpies skipper had signed a five-year deal with the Hammers, has again said he wants to continue being a Toon player if it is his choice.
"I don't want to go, but that's football. The clubs are the ones with the power and we're just employees. If the football club wants a change of direction then the players are moved on or pushed out," he told talkSPORT.
"I started negotiating with them in January and I decided I would like a bit of longevity and stability. At 28, it's an important contract for me. My partner is pregnant with our first child and I said I need a bit of stability and to stay in the area for four or five years.
"You don't want to uproot your kids at that young age, and I was after that. Money was never an issue, I wanted to stay, but we never reached a compromise.
"I believe in my ability and if Newcastle don't think I'll play past 29 then more fool them and I'll go and ply my trade elsewhere.
"I'll carry on doing my best for Newcastle this season and I'd love to win a trophy. Every player who's played for Newcastle wants to do that because the fans are second to none and it's such a passionate place."
