Newcastle Winger Hatem Ben Arfa Admits He Is on Last Chance After 'Selfish' Career Decisions

Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa admits he is down to his last chance in a career fraught with controversy.

The Frenchman moved to the Premier League in 2010 after a troubled spell at Marseille and despite winning over Magpies' supporters, his time in the north east was often tumultuous.

After falling out with manager Alan Pardew, Ben Arfa joined Hull City on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window.

While he intends to make the most of his time at the KC Stadium, the 27-year-old has indicated he has no future at St James' Park and is looking to create a good impression of himself to impress potential suitors for when his contract at the club expires next summer.

"In the past, I only thought about myself," Ben Arfa told Sport Confidential. "I thought I was alone in the world. I am very fragile, too fragile.

"Being a free agent in the summer? It is a huge pressure. I have used up all my credits. It is like playing Mario – I have one life remaining. I have to take care, but I will take on the challenge."

Despite his woes, Ben Arfa still harbours the desire to reach the level he had been expected to find during his emergence in France, adding: "Playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe? I will achieve it."

Ben Arfa emerged from Lyon's youth academy in 2004 with a reputation of being one of Europe's brightest young talents. His rise was often accompanied by controversy however, and following a string of incidents, one involving a training ground brawl with former Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci, he moved to Marseille.

The attacker's commitment again came under scrutiny at the Stade Velodrome however and after just two seasons he moved to Newcastle.

Amid the fallout from his Newcastle exile in the summer, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted the club would consider offering the player a second chance.