Sebastien Bassong is relishing a push for Europe this season with Tottenham - but he still can barely believe Newcastle were relegated from the top flight last May.

Bassong was suspended for the defeat to Aston Villa when Newcastle lost their Premier League status, with the Cameroon centre-back deciding shortly after the final whistle that he had to move even if Alan Shearer stayed as manager.

Shearer rated Bassong so highly that he told Harry Redknapp the 23-year-old would stay at St James' Park as long as he was in charge but relegation ended his role as caretaker boss.

Newcastle may have stayed up if Bassong played against Villa - and the mood at the club would be quite different now if they did.

"No, I still cannot believe it," Bassong said. "Last week I went to Newcastle to pick my stuff and I was in front of St James' Park, I could not imagine this magnificent stadium in the Championship but the reality is that I have to. I wish them very good luck but it is finished for me.

"I came here as Tottenham showed me a good interest and I knew the squad and the ambition of the team and the manager made me feel good."