HATEM BEN ARFA has conceded that a ‘mental fragility’ contributed to his failure to make a success of his time at Newcastle United.

Having been frozen out of the first-team picture entirely by Magpies manager Alan Pardew, Ben Arfa moved to Hull City on a season-long loan in August.

Given that his Newcastle contract is due to expire next summer, the move effectively signalled the end of the French winger’s time at St James’ Park.

While Ben Arfa produced the occasional flash of brilliance in a black-and-white shirt, his personality clash with Pardew ultimately meant he failed to live up to his billing and while he maintains he was not given a fair crack of the whip on Tyneside, the Frenchman accepts there were failings on both sides.

“In the past, I only thought about myself,” said Ben Arfa. “I thought I was alone in the world. I am very fragile, too fragile.

“Being a free agent next summer? It is huge pressure. I have used up all my credits. It is like playing Mario – I have one life remaining.

“I have to take care, but I will take on the challenge. Playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe – I will achieve it.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle officials have confirmed there is no possibility of either goalkeeper Karl Darlow or defender Jamaal Lascelles moving to St James’ Park this season.

Newcastle signed the duo in the summer, only to immediately loan them back to Championship side Nottingham Forest, but there had been growing suggestions that Magpies officials could look to renegotiate the terms of their transfer in an attempt to make them available sooner.

However, a representative of the Newcastle board categorically ruled out such a move at a fans’ forum and confirmed both Darlow and Lascelles will leave Nottingham Forest to join the Magpies squad next summer.