'Newcastle is my dream club'

Allan Saint-Maximin proved something of a cult figure as Newcastle fought to stay in the Premier League for much of his time at the club. Saint-Maximin also sampled the highs as a resurgent Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in his final campaign on Tyneside in 2023. But he was only too aware that staff "could lose their jobs" if they went down. "When you feel that opportunity, that feeling on your shoulder, you are like, 'this is heavy'," he says. Saint-Maximin embraced that responsibility after quickly striking up a bond with Newcastle supporters following his move from Nice . He volunteered at the city's foodbank and even gave fans gifts, including Rolex watches. "If I was able to give all of my money to them, I would because there is nothing better than the feeling they give you," he adds. "It's something you can't buy, and I've tried to. "The love they give to you, when I ran with the ball, I had the feeling of people behind me and I ran because of them. "This feeling is incredible. I wish the same for every single player because they can bring the best out of you." Saint-Maximin spent four years at Newcastle - the longest stint in his nomadic career - before joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli . He worked with Newcastle's current head coach, Matthias Jaissle, who took over from Eddie Howe this summer. Saint-Maximin hopes the German and his staff "have the best possible time" at St James' Park - just as he did. "Newcastle is my dream club," he says. "I love it from the bottom of my heart. I watch every single game. "They gave me what no-one gave to me and I'll never forget that. I'm very loyal. I had many opportunities to come to the Premier League, but I didn't because of them." Read the full article here