4 hours ago
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Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been told he was completely wrong about turning down Newcastle United in favour of life in London.
Magpies defender Malick Thiaw has rubbished suggestions that life is dreary up north - confessing he's already smitten with his new surroundings following his summer switch from AC Milan.
The centre-back traded the fashion capital's glamorous streets and evenings beside the iconic Duomo for the bustling Bigg Market and shopping along Northumberland Street - and maintains he's received a heartwarming Geordie reception.
During the recent summer window, Brazilian Pedro turned down a switch to St James' Park as he favoured London's appeal and opted for Chelsea instead.
Historically, the Magpies have lost out on numerous overseas talents who were drawn to the capital's allure.
Thiaw has revealed he received mixed counsel regarding his relocation to Tyneside but has since been charmed by strolls beside the River Tyne and the countryside beauty of neighbouring Northumberland.
When questioned about his initial thoughts on Tyneside, Thiaw responded: "It's nice. It's nice!"
"I think when rumours first came out (that Thiaw would arrive at Newcastle), a lot of people told me otherwise, they told me like Newcastle is not so nice, but I made my own experience.
"I realised it's a nice place. My family liked it. The people are nice, you have a lot of nature, so yeah. People would say it's really, really cold. It is cold but it doesn't rain as much on this side of the country!
"But I am from Germany, so I don't think it's too bad for me! It's the same there."
The defender's remarks starkly contrast those of Pedro, who turned down a move to Newcastle due to his reluctance to live in the north.
The Blues forward said earlier this year: "I had a chance to move to another club, but I chose Chelsea because it's in London."
Enzo Maresca will be glad that the Brazilian picked his side, having hit the ground running with five goal contributions from nine games so far this season.
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