Newcastle defender David Rozehnal wants to play in his preferred position as Euro 2008 looms.
Czech international hopes to make his stay in Rome a long one
Newcastle defender David Rozehnal has explained his reasoning for joining Lazio on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent move.
The 27-year-old Czech Republic international wants to play in his preferred position as Euro 2008 looms.
The £2.9million summer signing from Paris St Germain was unhappy about being on the bench under Sam Allardyce, and also being asked to play out of position by new Magpies boss Kevin Keegan.
He told
Sport: "Because I want to play. I know I will not have it certain there either but I think I will be getting more chances to play there than at Newcastle.
Different positions
"I was not feeling well there most recently. I was playing in different positions so when this offer came I did not hesitate."
He believes the Premier League is a great and a high-quality competition, but "it also has its cons".
He added: "I have appeared in most of the games and did a good job. Despite that, all of a sudden I was put aside.
"I hope that in the summer I will be satisfied with this decision. It was a quick one but not a rash one," said Rozehnal, who admitted the chance to play in Euro 2008 played a big part in his decision.
"I was not feeling at Newcastle that I would be playing regularly. Lazio paid big money for me so I believe they will give me a chance. I want to make the best of it, not only for me but also for Lazio and also for the Euro 2008."
Lazio have paid one million euros now and, if they want to use the option and buy Rozehnal in the summer, will have to pay a further five million euros to Newcastle.
Settle down
Rozehnal, who hopes to make his debut for Lazio against Sampdoria on Sunday, wants to make his stay in Rome a long one.
"I would like to spend plenty of years there, I feel I need to settle down in a high-quality club. And Lazio are of a high-quality, although they may not have been so successful lately."
His agent Pavel Zika revealed that it is a dream come true for Rozehnal to move to Italy.
"Two days ago, he told me 'I want to leave'. And Lazio wanted him, he was the number one target for them. David has fulfilled his dream as he has always wanted to play in Italy or Spain," Zika remarked.
