Newcastle's new signing David Rozehnal hopes the Premier League will toughen him up.
Newcastle's new signing David Rozehnal is hoping his sojourn in the Premier League will toughen him up.The Czech Republic international has moved to St James' Park from Paris Saint Germain in a £2.9million deal, despite attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla as well.
Rozehnal freely admits he is not the most robust of defenders, but hopes his move to England and the physically demanding Premier League will add a new dimension to his game.
"I believe that the Premiership will give me the toughness that I still don't have at the level I need," Rozehnal told Sport. "I will not get it without hard work.
"I go there to work hard to improve myself in this attribute. Only if I am not successful, I will start thinking why.
"I started as a striker, then I moved into midfield and eventually I became a defender, that is the main reason [why toughness is lacking].
"Even though, I think I have improved a lot in this attribute. Of course though, it is not there yet."
Magpies boss Sam Allardyce saw off late interest from Sevilla to clinch Rozehnal's signature, whilst Borussia Dortmund were priced out of a bid for the defender.
Rozehnal admits he was happy to choose England, even if he still holds La Liga in great regard.
"Any of those other clubs would not have been a disappointment for me," said Rozehnal.
"After that though, when I returned from my first visit to Newcastle, I realised that it has really turned out as best as it could. I am excited.
"Of course I am still dreaming [of Spain]. I have always dreamed of Spain and that will not fade away quickly.
"Anyway, what I have managed to see in England so far, I can say that I would not mind if I stayed here for a couple of years."
