Newcastle United Sign Emmanuel Riviere

17 July 2014, 06:23 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Emmanuel Rivière has become Newcastle United's fifth signing of the summer, after completing a switch from Monaco.

The 24-year-old French forward, has agreed a long-term contract on Tyneside and arrives for an undisclosed fee.

Born in Martinique, Rivière joined Saint-Étienne from local side Espoir Sainte-Luce in 2005 and rose through their ranks before making his debut in January 2009.

Two-and-a-half years later, the front man was on the move again, this time to Toulouse, where he was a teammate of current Magpie Moussa Sissoko.

Rivière's form for le Téfécé caught the eye of Monaco, who secured his services in January 2013.

The former France Under-21 international helped fire Monaco to the Ligue 2 title in his first few months at the club, before he struck 13 goals in 36 appearances last season.

Rivière said:
"I'm very happy to be here at Newcastle.

When the Club spoke to me I said yes immediately. It was an easy decision because Newcastle is a big club with great fans and a good stadium.

My dream was always to play in the Premier League and Newcastle have given me the opportunity to realise that."

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew said:
"This is an important signing because the striking area is one we really had to improve.

We have looked at Emmanuel for a while and we know he will score goals for us.

He is quick, hungry for success and will love having 50,000 Geordies cheering him on and singing his name.

I am really looking forward to integrating Emmanuel in the group and cannot wait to see him in action for us."