Ben Arfa: I was selfish

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Hatem Ben Arfa, on a season-long loan at Hull City, admits to having only thought about himself in the past.

The French winger has endured his fair share of professional struggles in recent times, with a spell at Newcastle United delivering a rollercoaster of emotions.

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Hatem Ben Arfa

Having fallen out of favour under Alan Pardew, Ben Arfa was left with little choice but to leave St James’ Park over the summer.

Hull swooped on transfer deadline day, offering the 27-year-old a clean slate on the Premier League stage.

He intends to make the most of that opportunity, with Ben Arfa now more of a team player and one determined to showcase his true colours before dropping into the free agent pool.

He told Sport Confidentiel: “In the past, I only thought about myself. I thought I was alone in the world.

“I am very fragile, too fragile.

“Being a free agent next summer? It is huge pressure. I have used up all my credits. It is like playing Mario - I have one life remaining, I have to take care, but I will take on the challenge.

“Playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe? I will achieve it.”