I must repay Rafa Benitez - Christian Atsu

Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu says he is determined to repay boss Rafa Benitez following his move in May.

The former Chelsea star, who never played a first-team game for the Premier League champions, was sent out on loan to Newcastle last summer.

He made a big impression as the Magpies earned promotion from the Championship and he signed a four-year deal after the two clubs agreed a £6.2million fee.

Atsu is currently preparing with the squad ahead of the new Premier League season and the 25-year-old admits he will have to work hard to repay the former Liverpool coach.

He told The Mag: "It was always my first choice to come back to Newcastle. As soon as the season ended, I knew I wanted to stay. I always loved working with the team here and always loved playing for Newcastle.

"I wanted to be part of the Newcastle family and now I really feel like I am part of the team here.

"The manager called me and told me he wanted to sign me. I was very happy at that moment. He called me and showed me a lot of respect and I need to repay him that now."