DAVIDE Santon shrugged off comparisons with Paolo Maldini on his arrival at Newcastle United last night, as he admitted: "I'm here to win things."

The 20-year-old full Italian international has explained that it was always going to require the lure of a “special club” for him to quit Inter Milan after being part of the Nerazzurri’s youth system since the age of just 14.

But after learning of United’s interest, left-back Santon – hailed by Jose Mourhino as a phenomenon after breaking into Inter’s side as a teenager – insists he was intrigued by the chance to play for Newcastle United.

Santon told The Journal: “I am really happy to be here. It was not an easy choice to leave Inter but this is a historic club and a historic city.

“It is excellent timing for me to leave Inter and join Newcastle. The timing couldn’t be better.

“I can play left-back or right-back and I like to attack and to defend too.

“I am here to give evidence that I am a good player and a champion. I am happy to be here in Newcastle to do that.”

Santon arrives primarily to plug the left-back slot left vacant by Jose Enrique – who joined Liverpool – and will take the Spaniard’s old number three shirt.

But the Portomaggiore-born star said: “I can play in different positions, as a defender on the right and left or as a midfielder the same.

“I like to go forward but also to defend. I am here to give everything. We can achieve great things here. We can grow up together and help each other.

“I am here for the future and this is a great life experience. I want to play for this club 100%”