Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini admits his Dad had a big influence in him signing a new contract.

Coloccini says his Dad was delighted with the response he received from Toon fans during a Christmas visit.

"The most important thing was the city, the fans, the club," Coloccini explained to the Sunday Sun.

"But one moment was special. My father Osvaldo came over two months ago. When we walked down the street or in the MetroCentre, the people would say, 'Oh, Colo, you have to stay. We need you, we love you.'

"My father doesn't speak really good English, but he understood that and he said, 'Colo, you have to stay. The people love you, the city is nice, the club want you.'

"Sometimes it is not about the money you are paid, it is about the love of the people."