Czech Republic defender David Rozehnal has admitted that the upcoming European Championships was a big factor in him joining Lazio.

The highly-rated centre back joined Newcastle United in the summer from Paris St Germain, but after just five months at the club he spoke out against the club for his lack of first team action and being regularly played out of position.

The 27-year-old took up the opportunity to move to Serie A side Lazio on loan until the end of the season, in a deal that could become permanent in the summer. The Rome side paid 1 million euros for the initial loan, and it is though that they will pay another 5 million that buy Rozehnal at the end of the season.

Rozehnal said: "It (joining Lazio) played a big role. I did not feel that at Newcastle I would be playing regularly.

"Lazio paid big money for me so I believe they will give me chance. I want to make the best of this, not only for me but also for Lazio and for Euro 2008."

When asked why he moved away from the Premier ELague so soon, Rozehnal answered: "I want to play. I know it is not a certainty here either but I think I will get more chances to play here than at Newcastle.

"I hadn't felt good there recently. I was playing in different positions so when this offer came I did not hesitate.

"Of course, the Premier League is great and a high-quality competition, no doubt about that. But it also has its cons. I have appeared in most of the games and did a good job.

"Despite that, all of a sudden I was put aside. I hope that in the summer I will be satisfied with this decision. It was a quick one but not a rash one."

Rozehnal could go straight into the team to play Sampdoria this weekend.

Vasek Kadlec / Eurosport