Inter Milan fullback Davide Santon has defended his time at Newcastle United.

Santon signed permanently for Inter last month.

Santon told the Evening Chronicle: "I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the comments made recently by John Carver about my move to Inter Milan.

"I want to say that I never thought for one moment, having been out injured for eight months, that I would immediately play again as a regular at Newcastle United.

"During the time I was injured, I worked hard every day to get back to full fitness as soon as possible. My career has always been based on hard work and sacrifices which help me to keep on improving.

"I have always struggled to carve out a space for myself and I know that it will be the same until the end of my career. I therefore would never refuse to fight for my place in any team."