Santon joins Inter on loan
Santon will spend the rest of the season with Inter, who have the option of signing him permanently after that.
A Newcastle statement read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Davide Santon has joined Inter Milan on loan for the remainder of the 2014-15 campaign with an option to buy at the end of the season.
“The 24-year-old Italian defender joined the Magpies from the same club in August 2011.”
The Italian, who only returned to action in January after a long-term injury, discussed his impending departure in a Facebook posting early on Monday, although it was later deleted after Newcastle said the deal had not been completed.
Santon wrote: “Life is strange. I would never have imagined to come back. I wanted to thank Newcastle and all the fans for these three and a half years together.
“We have spent so many good times. This city and this team will always remain in my heart. You start a new chapter.
“I am happy to go back to the Inter. It is where I started my career and there I lived many important moments. I will give my best to repay the confidence that was given to me.”
It has been a frustrating year for Santon, who played his first game of the season on January 3 in Newcastle’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Leicester following an eight-month lay-off with a knee injury.
Inter have previously revealed their interest in Santon, who was given his debut by manager Jose Mourinho. But the move back to his homeland is still a surprise following quotes he made on January 14.
The full-back said then: “I am happy here – I still have one and a half years left on my contract and I will probably have to speak to Newcastle soon. I’ve always said I am happy here.”
After a four-month loan spell with Cesena in 2011, Santon was brought to St James’ Park by Alan Pardew for £5m.