Newcastle striker Xisco has sensationally revealed that he stopped playing for the Magpies to ensure he got a move back to Spain.
The 23-year-old was bought in September 2008 by then director of football Dennis Wise for an expensive Ј5.7million.
Despite being unwanted by manager Kevin Keegan at the time the Spaniard managed to mark his debut with a goal in a 2-1 home defeat to Hull City.
Things began to slide rapidly soon after and the former Deportivo youngster made just 11 more appearances on Tyneside.
The striker was thought to be suffering with a groin injury leaving the club with just one fit striker, 18-year-old Nile Ranger, for the league clash with Leicester.
However, after completing his switch to Racing Santander on a year-long loan last Monday, the forward was able to participate in training on Wednesday, something that will infuriate Toon chiefs.
"After a difficult first year in Newcastle, this year seemed it was going to be more of the same and a good time to leave," he told the Sunday Mirror .
"I even stopped playing in the last few days to force my exit.
"If they hadn't accepted the loan at Santander, I would have regarded my situation at Newcastle as hopeless."
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