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Spanish defender Javier Manquillo has said he needed to get out of Newcastle in January and has found the perfect club in Celta Vigo.

The defender has been speaking to El Desmarque about his new club and again sharing his happiness at moving on from Newcastle.

The 29-year-old reunited with Rafa Benitez at Vigo towards the end of the January transfer window, arriving on a free transfer from Newcastle.

It brought an end to a seven year stay with the Magpies, who he joined in a €5m deal from Atletico Madrid in 2017.

He had been in England for longer than that, though, having spent the previous year before his arrival at St James’ Park on loan at rivals Sunderland from the Spanish club.

Indeed, he has spent much of his career away from his homeland, having moved to Liverpool on loan in August 2014 for a year before spending the following season with Marseille and then joining the Black Cats the season after that.

Then came his long spell with Newcastle, where injuries limited him to 110 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies since his arrival.

He’s now establishing himself at Celta Vigo and admits he feels he’s found the perfect club, and city, for himself and his family.

“Man, always returning to your country is a positive change,” he said.

“I had been in England for a long time, there was a desire to return. (Vigo is a) very good and very calm city. I’m a calm guy so it’s perfect for me.”