TOON TAKES MY BREATH HOWAY

Thiaw reveals love for Tyneside - and people - after switching from the fashion city of Milan

- BY LEE RYDER

MALICK THIAW has insisted it is not grim up north - admitting he is falling in love with life in the North-East already after his summer move from AC Milan.

Thiaw swapped one of Europe's hotbeds for fashion and culture and nights in front of the Duomo Cathedral for the Bigg Market and Northumberland Street but has enjoyed a warm Geordie welcome.

Last summer, Joao Pedro snubbed the move to St James' Park because he preferred the London lifestyle and signed for Chelsea, while traditionally Newcastle have missed out on a clutch of foreign stars who were attracted to the bright lights of the capital.

Thiaw has revealed he was given conflicting advice about switching to Tyneside but has now been wooed by walks along the River Tyne and the nature life in nearby Northumberland.