Dabizas 'gutted' at Magpies exit

The Greek defender has been well down the pecking order under Sir Bobby Robson and his desire to play at Euro 2004 prompted him to accept an offer from Leicester.

Dabizas, though, added that Foxes chief Micky Adams' desire to sign him was also a key reason behind his decision to leave St James' Park.

"I needed first-team football and had a chat with the manager (Micky Adams) and he had faith in me and that was a major reason behind the decision," he told Sky Sports News.

"He is a young manager with big ambitions and has a tough task ahead of him to keep the team in The Premiership. But it is too early to say what will happen."

Dabizas could have moved on before but was not interested in dropping down the leagues.

"I had many chances to go but I turned them down because I did not want to go into the lower leagues," he added.

"I thought I may have to go to Italy or Spain but I wanted to stay here because I am happy and know the culture and language.

"It was a major decision for my future and Leicester gave me that chance and I am hopeful of taking it."

Dabizas feels he is ready to go straight into the Foxes team, as he added: "I have been training hard and have been playing games with the reserves and national team.

"I have lots of experience and this will cover my lack of fitness and with a run of games I will find my form."

The stopper admits it will be a hard to accept he will no longer get the chance to pull on the black and white shirt of Newcastle.

"To be honest I am gutted," he said about leaving Newcastle. "If I did not have to leave I would not have wanted to.

"I would have liked to have finished my career here but it is a decision I had to take.

"I did not want to leave the club but I had to take the opportunity of first-team football.

"I felt at home in Newcastle and love it here. The fans are great and it is a great city. I gave good service to the club and the fans appreciated that and I hope I have a good relationship when I return."

Despite being left in the reserves, Dabizas has no axe to grind with Magpies chief Sir Bobby Robson.

"It is difficult because he brought in new players who he thought would do the job," Dabizas continued. "I hoped to get my chance to prove him wrong but that opportunity never came.

"When he first came I was a regular but he brought in new players. But I do not have a problem with him. I respect him and I wish him and the club all the best."