Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has insisted that he has his heart set on a long-term stay at St James' Park.
The 26-year-old made 24 Premier League appearances last season in a largely disappointing campaign for Alan Pardew's side.
Despite failing to live up to his own high standards, the combative midfielder has still been linked with moves elsewhere.
But the Ivory Coast international has underlined his commitment to Newcastle.
He told The Chronicle: "I will be a Newcastle player next season.
"I want to play here for many years to come. I have a contract here and I am looking forward already to next season."
Newcastle's fans are unhappy with the club's decline on the field as they slipped from fifth place in the 2011-12 campaign to a lowly 16th this time around.
But Tiote believes they will get things right again next season as they plan to challenge for a European berth.
"When you do well, you are the best manager and the best players. When the team struggles, you are criticised. That's football," he said.
"The manager and the players understand this. We have to believe in him (Pardew) and stay together. I think he is a very good manager, and I think next season will be different.
"The most important thing is to start next season well. Hopefully, it will be a good season.
"I think we can again challenge for Europe. I think it will be different to this season. It was really difficult for us.
"We didn't have a massive squad, and we played in Europe (UEFA Europa League) as well as the Premier League. I think next season is going to be much better."
