The France international’s season has been disrupted by a series of hamstring injuries but he made a return to the squad as a second-half substitute during Thursday’s Europa League tie with Benfica.

And the 26-year-old attacker is adamant he is still happy at Newcastle, dismissing rumours he could leave the club at the end of the season.

"I want to stay here," Ben Arfa told The Evening Chronicle. "It is only journalists who talk about that (leaving Newcastle).

"Me and my agent have not talked about that. I am focused on Newcastle and 100 percent Newcastle. I hope to stay here."

With Newcastle sitting just five points above the relegation zone and having crashed out of the Europa League, they will not be featuring in Europe next year.

But Ben Arfa is eager to compete on the continent in the future, and has backed the club to secure qualification next season.

"We have a great team. I'd love to play for this team in Europe again," he said.

"We won't next season but after that we can maybe go again. Everything is here. It is a great club. We have a great squad, big ground and great fans."