Newcastle United would have wanted me even with 'one leg' so I couldn't say no a second time

Loic Remy has admitted that he could not turn Newcastle United again because the Magpies 'really wanted' him.

Newcastle were set to sign Remy as a replacement for Demba Ba in January, 2013 after having a bid accepted by Marseille. Remy shook hands with boss Alan Pardew, who made a 'fantastic offer', while Joey Barton even gave his Marseille team-mate an idea of what to expect at St James' Park.

However, QPR convinced Remy to move to the capital instead and it would be another seven months before the striker ended up joining Newcastle on loan after Harry Redknapp's team were relegated. The key to the deal? Pardew.

READ MORE: Jacob Murphy gives Newcastle United dressing room truth on January transfer fears

READ MORE: Newcastle United's £250m PIF goal unveiled as supremo hails 12 new sponsors

"I remember speaking with Redknapp, who was trying to get me to stay with the club, in the Championship, but I just couldn't," the 37-year-old told Ladbrokes. "My mind was set on the Premier League and it was difficult for Harry to accept that but, in the end, he let me go.

"In the end, I signed for Newcastle and Pardew was really good for me. It wasn't the decision of the Newcastle chairman or anyone else - it was Alan who really wanted me to sign for him.

"When you're being offered an opportunity to play for a club with such a great atmosphere and for a coach who really wants you to be a part of his project, it's only ever going to be a yes.

"Alan improved my finishing and my positioning in games, and encouraged me to help the team off the ball. He helped me a lot. You know, I could have been injured and he'd have played me with one leg...that's how much he wanted me to be a part of things.

"It ended up being a successful season for me - finishing with 14 league goals in 26 games. I was always a player who thrived on confidence from my manager. If I got that, I was going to give you 100 times more than I'd give anyone else. I just had a great connection with Alan."