Former Manchester United and Newcastle winger Gabriel Obertan signs for Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala

GABRIEL OBERTAN, the winger who once had Sir Alex Ferguson raving about him, has left Newcastle to join Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Frenchman was on course for an exciting career after he signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford in 2009 but made just four league starts before being sold to Newcastle two years later.

But his career has since taken a nosedive after falling out-of-favour in Tyneside and was released at the end of last season.

The 27-year-old will now look to revive his career at Makhachkala, who once boasted the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Roberto Carlos.

In 2011, the Russian side was purchased by billionaire Suleyman Kerimov with dreams of turning the side into a real European force.

With Guus Hiddink at the helm, Kerimov seemingly had enough of pumping money into the club and sold all of their best players including Willian to Chelsea and lost their manager.

The club were relegated with a record-low of just three wins but have since gained promotion again.

Obertan’s release from Newcastle came after the club suffered relegation from the Premier League and also freed up the wage budget to sign the likes of Mohamed Diame from Hull.

Rafa Benitez’s men sit seventh after four league matches with two wins and two defeats.