![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/incoming\/article31393559.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_PS081123dailystarchat.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThere was never an in between – Hatem Ben Arfa either delighted or frustrated.<\/p>\n
The Frenchman looked to be one of the best players in Europe when he helped spearhead Newcastle United to a jaw-dropping fifth placed finish in the 2011-12 Premier League campaign. Ben Arfa contributed five goals and six assists, including his magnificent goal against Bolton Wanderers which saw him drive past five players, before prodding the ball past the goalkeeper. <\/p>\n
However, trouble seemed to follow the often stroppy Frenchman wherever he went, and it wasn't long until he was shipped out on loan to Hull City as a means to get him out of the building. The manager who thought he could get a tune out of the undoubtedly talented former French international was Steve Bruce.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Pochettino sorry to Chelsea fans as flops hit with extra training after Newcastle 'shame' <\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: 'I'm a Premier League legend who almost joined Man Utd \u2013 I'd even chosen a house' <\/b><\/p>\nJoin the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!<\/p>\n
Through the app, we'll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course. <\/p>\n
To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link<\/b>, select 'Join Chat' and you're in!<\/p>\n
No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. <\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE TO JOIN<\/b><\/p>\n
"I had an awful time with Hatem Ben-Arfa," Bruce said while speaking on behalf of Gambling Zone, when comparing the likes of Ben Arfa and Robbie Savage. "I thought it would be a masterstroke to get him at Hull, but it ended up being a disaster for both of us!<\/p>\n
"It didn't work at all. There are different aspects to management – there are some who are difficult because of their personality, and Ben-Arfa was one. Mr. Savage was one, as well. Not in a bad, bad way, but he made it difficult when he wanted to go to Blackburn.<\/p>\n
What are your memories of Hatem Ben Arfa? Let us know in the comment section below<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31535862.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_Hull-City-v-West-Ham-United-Premier-League.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nGet your ultimate World Darts Championship 2024 preview here<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31512693.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_new-darts-final-JPG.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
It's the most wonderful time of the year – and we've got the perfect magazine to get you in the Ally Pally spirit!<\/p>\n
With this year's PDC World Darts Championship set to be another thriller, Daily Star Sport<\/b> have prepared your ultimate 40-page preview magazine to get you ready for all things arrows. <\/p>\n
From interviews with Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Humphries and former world champions Gary Anderson and Rob Cross to in depth features on the PDC's angriest moments and why they start on 501 – we've got you covered.<\/p>\n
Order yours to buy immediately right here!<\/p>\n
"I think the art of management is earning the respect of players, especially these days. The greatest player I ever managed was Christophe Dugarry, a World Cup winner with France. He saved our season at Birmingham, but he was a bit difficult to manage – yet a wonderful footballer. <\/p>\n
"I'd chalk it up to differing personalities. You had the extreme with Robbie and Hatem, who thought he was better than Hull and wanted to go things his way. Dugarry was different. He was easily the best football player I ever had the privilege to manage. He could have played for any team. He was that good."<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31535931.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Hull-City-v-Manchester-City-Premier-League.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Hull eventually cut his loan spell short in January and the Magpies released him from his contract a matter of days later. After a strong spell at OGC Nice and three years at Paris Saint-Germain, he became somewhat of a journeyman. He has played for the likes of Stade Rennais, Real Valladolid, Bordeaux and Lille.<\/p>\n
He has been a free agent after being released by the latter in the 2022 summer transfer window.<\/p>\n