Coloccini Says McClaren's Presence Played A "Big Part" In Him Staying At Newcastle In Email To Fans

Fabricio Coloccini has revealed that Steve McClaren's appointment as Newcastle United boss played a "big part" in his decision to stay at the club - and that he wanted to be a key member of the "new" Magpies, although he did admit it will "take time" to change things on Tyneside. The Magpies captain, who ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal at the club last week, sent an email to Magpies supporters on Thursday night and confirmed there had been interest in his signature from elsewhere. McClaren confirmed last week that Coloccini would retain the skipper's armband going forward, and now his 33-year-old captain has messaged Toon fans - just as he did with an open letter towards the end of last season. In an email to fans on Thursday Coloccini, who was linked with a reunion with former boss Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace this summer and with a move to Greek side Olympiacos, wrote:

"It is important to know that you cannot change everything in one season. I think in years you can change things, but this season looks very different. "With a new head coach, new staff, new players, young players with ambition and new ideas, we are looking forward. It is good for the atmosphere in the changing room and we are excited to know what will happen this season. "The head coach was a big part of me staying here. He wanted me here to be part of the squad. The club wanted me to be a part of the €˜new€™ Newcastle United that they are building. I am proud of that because I€™m very happy here. "There has been a lot of speculation about my future in the summer but from the first time I met the club to talk, I said to them my first choice was here at Newcastle United. It€™s true there were a few offers to the club. I don€™t speak too much with the press so maybe it confuses things and people can say things about my future. "But my future is here. I have been here seven years and I feel a part of this club and a part of this city. "I know there was speculation about the captaincy also. The head coach has made the choice for me to wear the armband again and it€™s fantastic news for me. If he said he thinks someone else is better, that€™s no problem. We have to think of the team. It is part of football. "But captaining the team is a very important responsibility and is very special for me. I came here to another country and didn€™t know the language. Everything was new. But everyone here €“ and you, the fans €“ made me feel part of the family here and I am proud to be a part of it still."

As well as committing himself to the club in the email, Coloccini also previewed the Magpies' next Barclays Premier League match. Newcastle head to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and Coloccini said ahead of the trip:

"Now we go to Swansea looking to win. Swansea playing well is not something new. They have done that for a few seasons. It will be tough for us there but we have a lot of things in our head that we want to do this season and to achieve them, we have to get points away. We have to fight for that. "Every season, there are new expectations and new dreams. We know we start from zero and I hope for you, for the players and for the staff €“ for the whole club €“ that we can have a good season and can make you proud of our team."

READ THE EMAIL IN FULL BELOW "It has been a few months since I last wrote to you and a lot has changed at the club. "We were near to the end of the season and it was a difficult moment for us. In my letter, I asked you to continue your fantastic support for the team. I thought it was very important for the squad at that time. "Against West Ham (United) in May, you went to the stadium very positively. It was amazing to feel the atmosphere inside the stadium. It was a big help for us and we wanted to thank you on the pitch. "It is important to know that you cannot change everything in one season. I think in years you can change things, but this season looks very different. "With a new head coach, new staff, new players, young players with ambition and new ideas, we are looking forward. It is good for the atmosphere in the changing room and we are excited to know what will happen this season. "The head coach was a big part of me staying here. He wanted me here to be part of the squad. The club wanted me to be a part of the €˜new€™ Newcastle United that they are building. I am proud of that because I€™m very happy here. "There has been a lot of speculation about my future in the summer but from the first time I met the club to talk, I said to them my first choice was here at Newcastle United. It€™s true there were a few offers to the club. I don€™t speak too much with the press so maybe it confuses things and people can say things about my future. "But my future is here. I have been here seven years and I feel a part of this club and a part of this city. "I know there was speculation about the captaincy also. The head coach has made the choice for me to wear the armband again and it€™s fantastic news for me. If he said he thinks someone else is better, that€™s no problem. We have to think of the team. It is part of football. "But captaining the team is a very important responsibility and is very special for me. I came here to another country and didn€™t know the language. Everything was new. But everyone here €“ and you, the fans €“ made me feel part of the family here and I am proud to be a part of it still. "After the summer, it has been positive for me to be back on the pitch and to help the team. I felt my Achilles in pre-season and could not play games. Now, it€™s ok so I trained for a week and played the game and I feel fit. "Against Southampton, we did many things well as a team. We worked together against a good team and I think it was a good day for us. We want to keep going and to learn the things we need to develop and improve. "Now we go to Swansea looking to win. Swansea playing well is not something new. They have done that for a few seasons. It will be tough for us there but we have a lot of things in our head that we want to do this season and to achieve them, we have to get points away. We have to fight for that. "Every season, there are new expectations and new dreams. We know we start from zero and I hope for you, for the players and for the staff €“ for the whole club €“ that we can have a good season and can make you proud of our team. "Thank you for your support. "Fabricio Coloccini" For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.