Fabricio Coloccini has confirmed that he will be remaining with Newcastle United next season.
The Argentinian had been keen for a return to his former club San Lorenzo, but the side reportedly failed to raise the funds to match the Magpies' asking price for the defender.
The 31-year-old told The Sun: "I'm a grateful person and Newcastle have given me the opportunity of playing in the Premier League, which is the elite of football, so I will stay at Newcastle.
"I have talked many times with San Lorenzo about moving back with them. My desire is to move back but that's not going to happen next season.
"I didn't move to San Lorenzo last season because Newcastle didn't want me to leave. I'm not going to move to San Lorenzo now because Newcastle don't want me to go. I have to respect that decision."
Coloccini joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Caruna in 2008.
Sian Cowper
