I was not ready to take Toon chance

FORMER Kevin Mbabu has revealed why he quit Newcastle United.

The defender left the Magpies in 2017 after just three appearances to join BSC Young Boys and has progressed to play for Switzerland’s senior side.

Things did not work out for him on Tyneside, despite impressing on his debut against Chelsea in 2016.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Mbabu said: “I was not even 18, and left Servette for Newcastle. I also rejected Arsenal.

“England was not a success for me but I learned a lot there.

“The experience of that time is part of what has become of me. The experience of the past is part of me.

“The choice of Newcastle was not very good but it helps me today. Mentally, I was tested enormously.

“I was injured in England for almost two of the three and a half years and I had muscle problems all the time. Six, seven injuries.

“Physically, my body was not ready for the intensity in Newcastle training.

“I did not have the best lifestyle and was too busy with too many things. “These can be reasons for injuries. Today I try not to repeat the mistakes. Development shows me I am not on the wrong track.”

Mbabu admits he would love the chance to prove himself in England again one day. He added: “My dream is to return to the Premier League. “However, in life, sometimes it does not work the way you want.

“Every way is different.”