DOMI HAS 'NO PROBLEMS' WITH MAGPIES

[Toonarmy]

Didier Domi claims he has nothing to prove to Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson despite his acrimonious departure from St James' Park.

Domi was an instant hit on Tyneside following his arrival from Paris St Germain in the summer of 1998, but an alleged bust-up with Robson led to his return to the French club two seasons later.

Three years on and Domi will again cross swords with Robson on Sunday, this time as a Leeds player after last week joining them for a season-long loan with a view to a permanent £2.2million transfer.

But the 25-year-old French left wing-back has vowed to shake Robson's hand before kick off and is more than likely to tell him how he now regrets his hasty departure from the Magpies.

``I want to make things clear about Newcastle because I've been a little bit crazy about this,'' said Domi.

``I've no problems with Bobby Robson. I enjoyed working with him. I've also no problems with the fans. I don't have a problem with anyone at Newcastle.

``Everybody knows I like the club and I had a good time there, it's just that one day something appeared in the papers and I didn't like it.

``I left in a hurry, a crazy thing, and it was only when I went back to France that I realised what I was missing.

``I missed the fans, the atmosphere in the stadium and the lifestyle and that's why I've wanted to come back to England.

``This is the place to play football and if things go well then I will stay here. I don't think I will go back to France.

``So I've nothing against Bobby Robson and I've nothing to prove to him. I will be happy to meet him again and I will shake hands with him before the game.''

While Newcastle are Premier League and Champions League contenders this season, Domi has joined a Leeds side which narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Six pre-season matches without a win has thrust Leeds among the favourites for the drop this campaign, yet Domi feels he can help the club rise up the table.

``I've always wanted to come back to England, so I'm very happy to join a club like Leeds,'' added Domi.

``I know it wasn't a good season last year, but there are still some good players here and I'm confident we can do well, but we will have to work hard.

``I know I will give everything to Leeds United and try to help them go higher.''

Despite only joining Leeds a week ago, Domi appears to have settled quickly, but will now be thrown in at the deep end against his former Newcastle team-mates.

However, Domi feels he is a much improved player since his days on Tyneside as he stated: ``I've had injuries, but you always learn.

``My time at Newcastle was very beneficial, but I think I've improved as a player since I left them.

``They have also improved as a team in the last few years. They are now a big team, so it will be a very tough game, but I'm looking forward to playing against them.''