Moussa Sissoko
Sissoko says he was inspired by the Premier League's best French players when he signed for Newcastle. REUTERS

Newcastle United new signing Moussa Sissoko admits his move to the Premier League was inspired by watching several Frenchman, including Patrick Vieira, play for Arsenal.

Sissoko was among five French players to move to St James Park in the January transfer window, a policy inspired by head scout Graham Carr's, a policy which has sparked an upturn in the club's hopes ot survviaing relegation from the Premier League.

The 23 year old netted twice in the crucial win over European Champions Chelsea earlier this month, and the former Toulouse midfielder wants to mirror the success of his fellow countryman in English football while at Newcaslte.

"I have always wanted to play in England. It is the league that suits me the best," he told the Mirror.

"When I was a kid, I was very impressed by Arsenal with all their Frenchmen: Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. I was 10 or 11 years old. That team made me dream. They won everything.

"I loved Thierry Henry and above all Patrick Vieira as we played in the same position. He radiated such power. He could cross the whole pitch with the ball at his feet.

"In midfield, he was the boss. Moreover, there was Highbury, with the fans so close to the pitch. I would have loved to play there."

The France international will provide Newcastle with added depth in midfield ahead of their attempts to beat the drop to The Championship, with the club four points above the relegation zone with 12 games left.

Their plight represents a rapid fall from grace, having competed for Champions League qualification up until the final day of last season, eventually having to settle for a fifth place finish ahead of Chelsea.

Injuries to Yohan Cabaye and Hatem ben Arfa, the departure of Demba Ba and the future of captain Fabricio Coloccini have all worked as unwanted distractions for Newcastle this season, but the club's intent in the January transfer market has provided evidence of their desire to prevent a second relegation from the Premier League in five seasons.