Hatem Ben Arfa 'wants to be Eric Cantona'

Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has claimed that he wants to "conquer England like Eric Cantona did".

The 24-year-old has endured an indifferent season with the Magpies thus far, but has insisted that he is ready to make up for lost time.

"For sure, I would like to conquer England like Cantona did. I see my ambitions the same now as at the start – to become one of the best. Of course I have lost a bit of time in my career, but, in my life, I have the impression I have gained some," Ben Arfa told The Mirror.

"Really, it is a shame that a career cannot be made between 24 and 40 years old because then I would have more chance.

"But let's see in three or four years. Then, I see myself at the top, winning for example the World Cup in Brazil or the Ballon d'Or. Because I still have lots of dreams."

Ben Arfa joined Newcastle from Marseille in 2011.