Czech international defender David Rozehnal is looking forward to becoming a permanent player at Lazio after moving to the Serie A side from Newcastle United in the January transfer window on a loan deal with an option for permanent deal.

The 27-year-old had only joined the Toon in the summer but was unsettled at St James’ Park lately due to being played out of his favoured centre-back position after losing his place in the starting eleven.

He told Sport: "Because I want to play. I know I will not have it certain there either but I think I will be getting more chances to play there than at Newcastle.

"I was not feeling well there most recently. I was playing in different positions so when this offer came I did not hesitate."

He explained: "I have appeared in most of the games and did a good job. Despite that, all of a sudden I was put aside.

"I hope that in the summer I will be satisfied with this decision. It was a quick one but not a rash one," said Rozehnal, who is keen to keep his place intact for the Euro Championships in the summer.

"I was not feeling at Newcastle that I would be playing regularly. Lazio paid big money for me so I believe they will give me a chance. I want to make the best of it, not only for me but also for Lazio and also for the Euro 2008."

He added: "I would like to spend plenty of years there, I feel I need to settle down in a high-quality club. And Lazio are of a high-quality, although they may not have been so successful lately."