Just 4 months into his loan at the KC stadium and Bruce has called time on his brief spell. Bruce gave his damning verdict and said: "He won't be coming back here, that's all I can say. I'm disappointed more than anything."
"We brought him in on a wave of publicity and there has been no fall-out or slanging match. His views of the game are different to mine. At any club you need to have a certain work ethic to get in the team. That's the frustrating thing.
"I hope Hatem takes in what I've had to say to him because his talent is there for all to see. But talent without hard work means you won't live up to your potential."
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| Ben Arfa's loan spell has ended terribly |
A player once labelled a French prodigy, Ben Arfa's career has never truly lived up to the expectations that many had of him. In the early days of his career at Lyon, he had many top European suitors and his talent was clear to see.
When he arrived at England, it was considered a coup by Newcastle with many stunned that the Tyneside club had pulled off a loan move for the Frenchman. Arriving after a sour ending with Marseille despite winning a Ligue 1 title, Ben Arfa's debut season in England was promising as he showcased his talent, prompting Newcastle to make it a permanent deal.
However, Ben Arfa suffered a leg break the season after. After a long recovery, Ben Arfa only showed glimpses of the talent we had previously seen. .Ben Arfa going forward is a real threat but, defensively he is lethargic and poor. Often seen casually strolling around the pitch, Ben Arfa is often a target for the boo boys in the terraces.
Off the pitch, Ben Arfa has been described as "difficult," having had a number of bust ups with team mates and staff. His lack of discipline has given the impression to many that he cares more for night life than he does for putting the hours in on the training ground.
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| Ben Arfa rarely shows what he is capable of doing |
A loan move to Hull looked like a deal that could have been a real success for Ben Arfa. A fresh start, away from the previous broken relationships at Newcastle where he was demoted to the reserves. Ben Arfa had the chance to get his head down and get back to the Ben Arfa of many years ago.
However, it just hasen't happened, so much so Bruce wants to call time on his stay at the club. Ben Arfa has squandered a golden opportunity to put himself in the shop window for potential suitors come the summer when he leaves Newcastle on a Bosman.
Both Ben Arfa and Karim Benzema had the same footballing nurturing, having came out of the Lyon academy and played together in the French youth national teams but, could not contrast in their careers much more.
Some still have hope that Ben Arfa, at age 27, could finally find a club where he properly integrates himself into the side. The winger needs to realise he is part of a team rather than an individual. Ben Arfa's career is a frustrating one, a tale of missed opportunities and bust ups. Fans of the tricky Frenchman will hope the frustration will come to an end with his next career move.
