Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has once again expressed his desire to return to Buenos Aires and play for his beloved San Lorenzo after speaking with his friend, and the club’s vice-president Marcelo Tinelli.

The 34-year-old missed plenty of Newcastle’s disastrous 2015/16 season which ended in relegation out of the Premier League through injury and was quick to return to Argentina once the campaign had ended. As a guest of Marcelo Tinelli, the former Argentina defender attended the final home match of the season against Banfield and has since spoken to Argentine radio over his possible return to the club.

“I want to return to Argentine football. It is a matter of discussing my departure, I have in mind to return right now.”

Coloccini is still contracted to Newcastle for another year and so San Lorenzo would need to reach some agreement with the club unless the captain’s contract is rescinded.

The Córdoba-born defender added:  “My priority is San Lorenzo because I am a fan and want to play there again. I understand the fans and we must not delude people, but today there is more chance of returning. There is always the idea of returning and now I have heard that I could come back soon.”

A return to San Lorenzo was reportedly close in 2013 when Coloccini again expressed his want for a switch back to Bajo Flores but there was never any agreement between the clubs.

Coloccini knows that any move now is still in the hands of Newcastle, “I want to respect the people of Newcastle for everything they gave me. In 2013 talks with San Lorenzo were very advanced but my exit clause was for clubs from Qatar and China, not from Argentina.”

“My family wants to see me playing in San Lorenzo and that is my great dream, my son Thiago asks me when I will return to play at San Lorenzo.”

Despite being a San Lorenzo supporter, Coloccini only played one season for Los Cuervos while on loan from Milan in 2001 after initially coming through Argentinos Juniors youth ranks and playing professionally for Boca Juniors.

Coloccini lifted the 2001 Clausura with San Lorenzo and has been determined in recent years to return and finish his career with the club.

His friendship with Marcelo Tinelli could smooth the way if Newcastle are in agreement with the veteran defender adding: “We have a strong friendship and a fanaticism for San Lorenzo. The chances of me joining are greater now because of the project they have in Newcastle and my age. So, it is a matter of speaking and proposing the terms of my exit. [Matías] Lammens (San Lorenzo president) and Tinelli have told me that the door is open.”

Newcastle are preparing for life in the Championship but have been boosted by the news that manager Rafael Benítez will remain in charge. At 34, the Magpies may feel that now is a good time for Coloccini to leave, after eight years at St James’ Park, and if that is the case then there appears to be only one destination.