Santon thanks Mourinho

Newcastle newcomer Davide Santon has thanked former Inter boss Jose Mourinho for preparing him for life in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old full-back completed his move from the San Siro late Tuesday for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £5 million, when he signed a five-year deal.

Santon made his breakthrough at Inter as a teenager under Mourinho, and although he has found life more difficult in recent times, he remains grateful to the Portuguese.

He said: “I must say a big thank you to Mr Jose Mourinho. He has been really important for me.

“He has taught me to give 100% out on the pitch and other important things. He has been really important to my career. I can only thank him.”

Santon agreed to join Newcastle amid interest from Inter’s Serie A rivals Roma and other Premier League clubs, and he was also linked with a switch to Russia.

However, Magpies boss Alan Pardew quickly persuaded him that his future lay on Tyneside.

Santon said: “Alan Pardew has been fantastic with me. I was really impressed with him when I met him for the first time.

“I really like him because he speaks to players as men. Now I want to show him exactly what I can do on the pitch. It is a big desire for me to do well at this club.”