Newcastle United defender Claudio Cacapa has revealed he could easily have been playing for Besiktas in the Champions League this season.

The Brazilian had a nightmare against Portsmouth yesterday, but before the game told the Evening Chronicle: "I am loving every minute of it here and I wish Gerard Houllier had let me come on loan back in January when Newcastle wanted me on loan.

"But really I am lucky to be here. I was back home in Brazil and on the verge of going to Turkey and playing for Besiktas when, out of the blue, Newcastle scout Paul Montgomery rang me and told me to come across to England because the manager Sam Allardyce wanted me.

"So too did Laurent Blanc at Bordeaux, and Paris St Germain were also there, but when I heard Newcastle were in for me I lost interest in the rest."

Cacapa has signed a two-year contract at St James's Park with United having an option on a third season.