I traveled to Greece for the international friendly against Slovakia (we drew 2-2), but I did not get to play due to a minor injury I had been suffering from the last few days.

When I came back there were a couple of injury problems in the defense, but I was not available for selection. Still I felt that even I was ready to play I would not had started. It was a very important result. The three points took all the pressure from our shoulders as we have finally managed to secure our Champions League position for next season.

I was really happy for the team, but I was also very disappointed as I did not get to help the club reach its targets. In the last three months I did not get to play any first team football and playing for the reserves hardly satisfied my football ambitions. I decided to play for the reserves to keep fit, as I did not want to lose my place in the national team, but I feel that I have much more to offer to the club.

I am really disappointed to be left out of the first team for such a long time. Sometimes I feel that the club does not need me any more. Still it is really frustrating as I believe that I have a lot to offer and that the best years in my football career are still to come.

To be honest, I would consider a move to a club that would really believe in me. I know that I have another year in my contract and I will honor it no matter what. However, I want to play regular first team football and not spend the next year playing for the reserves. My ambition was to stay and play for the club for a few more years, but I will never compromise my dreams and stay around, especially when my ‘football heart’ is not beating at Newcastle any more.

Nikos Dabizas