Ba laughs off exit talk
February 07, 2012 11:16:18 UK
Senegal international Demba Ba has laughed off suggestions that he was looking to leave Newcastle United during last month's transfer window.
Demba Ba is enjoying a very productive season with Newcastle.The 26-year-old moved to Alan Pardew's side, 5.50 to finish in the top four this season, last summer from West Ham United and has not looked back, his goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Aston Villa being his 16th in 20 Premier League appearances for the Magpies.
However, Ba was linked with a move away from the club in January when it emerged that he had a release clause in his contract.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham were all linked with Ba, who is 8.50 to open the scoring against Spurs this weekend.
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"I never talked to anyone to say I wanted to leave," said Ba. "I was just listening to people saying: 'He's going there, he's going there, he's going there' and I had a big smile on my face. It was funny to me.
"The most important thing is being happy with your football and I am happy here."
Pardew signed Ba's fellow Senegal international Papiss Cisse in January and he marked his debut by scoring the winner against Villa.
Ba, 201.00 to be the Premier League's top goalscorer this season, is delighted with Cisse's arrival on Tyneside, adding: "It was a great signing. I was very happy when he signed.
"I wasn't too bothered who we signed as long as we got a new striker it would help us. But fortunately for me it was someone from my country who I know well and I know how good he is."
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