Senegal midfielder Diame joins Newcastle

London (AFP) – Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame has dropped down a division to join Newcastle United from Hull City, his new club announced on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, capped 28 times, has signed a three-year contract and is reported to have cost Newcastle £4.5 million ($6 million, 5.4 million euros).

Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season, while Hull were promoted from the Championship after Diame scored the only goal against Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final.

“It is a great feeling to be a Newcastle player,” Diame said in comments published on the Newcastle website.

“Everybody close to me knows how desperate I am to play in the Premier League again, but when Newcastle comes in for you it makes you think.

“I am looking to the future. Newcastle is a big name, a massive club and will be back in the Premier League, for sure.”

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez said: “Mohamed is a strong, attack-minded player with a lot of fight and determination to his game.

“He has good experience of the Championship and the fight needed to win promotion, which will be important for us.”

Hull are currently without a manager after Steve Bruce resigned last month.