Moussa Sissoko issues bizarre 'come and get me' plea - to 'beautiful Arsenal'

In an interview with Foot Mercato, Sissoko expressed the concern that staying with Newcastle and playing in the Championship would ruin his chances of continuing to represent France.

"Today, if I play in the Championship, I will put my place with the French national team in jeopardy," he is quoted as saying.

"I have already had a discussion with [Rafa Benitez]. My advisors will also have a discussion with him. I think that he knows what I want, where I want to go, so I hope that there will not be a problem.

"Personally I have not spoken with the club. My advisors have. I do not know [if they will let me go, but], I hope so with all my heart I would like to continue my career in England."

He also spoke at length about his fondness for the Gunners because of their history of brilliant French players.

"Arsenal is one of the best European teams. To be watched by that sort of club, that proves that you are a quality player. I hope that I will have the chance, soon, to play for this club or for a similar club. Everyone knows, I often said it when I was young, Arsenal is the club of my heart, because there were quite a few French players there like Thierry Henry, Robert Pirès, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira who was my idol - the beautiful Arsenal.

"We will see. I cannot tell you if I am going to go to Arsenal."