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'I am worried'

‘Suffers in silence’ Hatem Ben Arfa’s best friend fears over his PSG exile

The former Newcastle ace has fallen down the pecking order at Parc des Princes and was recently demoted to the reserves.

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HATEM BEN ARFA'S career has hit rock bottom with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, according to a close friend.

Sylvain Idangar has declared that the former Newcastle star's lack of game time is affecting him mentally.

 The 30-year-old has only made nine starts since joining last summer
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The 30-year-old has only made nine starts since joining last summerCredit: EPA

Former youth team colleague Idanger told L'Equipe: "I am worried all the time.

"I was afraid that old demons had returned and that he breaks down. I am worried all the time.

"What upsets me the most in this difficult period, is when we are the only two at the restaurant and he does not tell me that it is not OK, whereas I know, I can sense that he is not well.

"He suffers in silence, it takes over him and he does not say anything about himself.

 Former team-mate Arfa Idangar is concerned about Ben Arfa
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Former team-mate Arfa Idangar is concerned about Ben ArfaCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Ben Arfa joined PSG on a two-year deal and scored on his debut
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Ben Arfa joined PSG on a two-year deal and scored on his debutCredit: Getty - Contributor

"In fact, Hatem, is one of the favourites in the dressing room, but the players don't want to say it."

The 30-year-old is now training again with the first team after being demoted to the reserves last month.


LAW AND ORDER Hatem Ben Arfa set to take Paris Saint-Germain to court over his exclusion from the team


After being dropped, his lawyer Jean-Jacques Bertrand said: "Legally, I think the club is violating the Professional Football Charter."

Ben Arfa played for Newcastle during 2010 and 2014, before falling out with then-manager Alan Pardew and some of his team-mates.

 Ben Arfa in action against Arsenal's Granit Xhaka
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Ben Arfa in action against Arsenal's Granit XhakaCredit: -
 Ben Arfa celebrates victory against AS Monaco in Ligue 1
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Ben Arfa celebrates victory against AS Monaco in Ligue 1Credit: Getty - Contributor

After a disappointing loan spell at Hull City, the 30-year-old joined Nice and earned a dream move to PSG after scoring 18 goals in 37 outings.

However, he has only started nine times for PSG after making the switch to Parc des Princes.

The Frenchman could be set for a sensational return to the Magpies as he looks to revive his career with regular playing time.

 PSG chief Unai Emery is willing to offload the midfielder
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PSG chief Unai Emery is willing to offload the midfielderCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Edinson Cavani's amazing stoppage time free kick rescues PSG at Marseille

 

 

 

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