Hatem Ben Arfa: 'I would have snubbed Real Madrid for Nice'

Hatem Ben Arfa has admitted that he would have turned down a late approach from Real Madrid to join French club Nice.

The controversial figure signed for the Ligue 1 outfit yesterday after his contract with Newcastle United was terminated.

Ben Arfa's commitment was questioned at Newcastle, which resulted in a loan stint at Hull City, but his spell at the KC Stadium came to an end last month.

After his failings in the Premier League, Ben Arfa insists that he is delighted to be at Nice, and even interest from Spanish giants Madrid would not tempt him away.

"In 10 minutes, my choice was made," The Mirror quotes Ben Arfa as saying. "Even if Real had appeared, I would have said yes to Nice. [Manager] Claude Puel is a person of integrity, with real human values. His speech I immediately liked.

"There are people here who trust me, who do not judge me as some people want to judge me through the press."

The Frenchman spent almost five years with Newcastle.