Mo Diame has explained why he left Newcastle United this summer.

The 32-year-old midfielder had hoped to sign a new deal with the club after the past season.

But it did not work out and he ended up signing for Qatari side Al Ahli.

Speaking to beIN Sport about the move, he said: "The club decided at the beginning of the year to give me a new contract, after they decide to wait because we were not really well in the table.

"The time did not help us.

"At the end, when they decide to give me one more year, I prefer and take the decision to leave because I did not want to play another year ending a contract because it is not really good for football player.

"You're always thinking about injury."