Davide Santon
Santon is planning on staying at Newcastle for the long haul. REUTERS

Davide Santon is not planning on making a return to Italy any time soon, with the Newcastle defender insisting that he has settled into life at St James' Park.

Santon made the move from Inter Milan to the Toon last summer, with the 21 year old hoping to find more first team experience as he develops his skills as a defender.

And after making 19 appearances for Newcastle this season, the Italy international believes that he will be able to ply his trade in one of the best leagues in the world.

"Now I feel very comfortable," Santon told intervistasportiva.com. "At the beginning I struggled to find space because I still had some problems, and because the coach wanted me to understand the type of football they play here, but now I'm finding more space and continuity and I'm happy."

Santon revealed that the fans have been a big factor in encouraging the Newcastle squad to reach higher heights this season, and with the club currently sitting at sixth place in the table and equal on points with Chelsea, it seems to be working particularly well.

"The fans are fantastic, really, they give you a crazy charge and incite the team regardless of the score," he explained.

"I'm really happy here and I'm glad to have signed for five years with Newcastle."

Rumours had been surrounding a possible return to Italy for Santon, but he maintained he is perfectly happy with the north eastern club and won't be making a move any time soon.

"Come back in Italy? No, at the moment," he insisted. "In the future you never know, it will depend on the opportunities, but now I don't think about it.

"The National team? I hope to come back but I'm not thinking to the European Championship. Now I'm interested to play and find continuity, if all goes well things will flow from that."