Moussa Sissoko: "I think for Newcastle it is useful, not a problem, that we have so many French players here.
"I know before they signed us they tried to see how we were in real life - as people.
"They checked us out and found we didn't have any major problems. I know all the lads here are nice guys. We do not have any major issues.
"From a football perspective, all five French signings bring something new to the team. We want people to think Newcastle were right in signing us, and that we were right in coming to Newcastle.
"Last year, I had a fantastic season, which did not go unnoticed.
"There is fantastic potential here at Newcastle with the quality of players and that gave me the appetite to come here. The manager also showed me how much he wanted me to come here.
"The position was not ideal in the first half of the season. I thought the form would get better with the injuries clearing up and the new signings.
"As you can see, the team is now playing better. We can get up the league and go far in the Europa League.
"Patrick Vieira is my inspiration.
"He played in the same position as me and we have a similar profile. Also someone like Mahamadou Diarra, who plays for Fulham - the same position, great footballers.
"People say I am a big star now, but I do not consider myself a star. They signed me for my skills and to add to the team, not to be a 'star'.
"In terms of work, football, I try to be serious. It is a serious job on the pitch.
"There have been careers in the past ruined by not being serious enough. It is important to be serious on the pitch, but off it to clear my head and relax and enjoy myself.
"Away from the training ground, I like to laugh, go out with friends and, when not playing, enjoy a party or two. But I am quite reserved, in all truth perhaps a little shy. But I like to laugh and show joie de vivre.
"When I was young, people in my family either played football or loved football. We used to watch a lot of football and I always wanted to get out there to practice. I could not wait for school to finish!
"One day (aged 13) I was told that maybe I had talent to become a professional. At that moment I had to decide to go for it and try and be signed for a club.
"Toulouse came along with an opportunity. The coach told me I had potential to have a great career. I put everything, all my work into having this career.
"I spent some great seasons with Toulouse and now I have come to Newcastle a massive club where I hope I can continue to progress onwards and upwards."
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