Davide Santon back at Inter on season-long loan from Newcastle

The prodigal son returns.

Inter Milan announced the signing of fullback Davide Santon on Monday, bringing the Italian back to the San Siro on a season-long loan from Newcastle.

The deal sees the Nerazzurri retain the right to make the transfer permanent come season's end.

A product of Inter's youth system, the 24-year-old rose to prominence as a teenager in Italy, establishing himself with the first team early and drawing comparisons to the great Italian fullbacks of years past.

But injuries and competition for playing time saw him pushed to the periphery of the squad before being loaned out to Cesena, and ultimately sold to Newcastle.

After being an integral performer for the Magpies in his first three seasons, a long-term knee problem saw him return to action just last month, making his first appearance of the campaign in an FA Cup match against Leicester City.