'Dream club' - Allan Saint-Maximin gets emotional talking about Newcastle United
Allan Saint-Maximin’s love for Newcastle United has never wavered, despite leaving three years ago.
It’s now over three years since Allan Saint-Maximin left Newcastle United, but his love for the club hasn’t wavered.
The French maverick, who joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019, was a beacon of light during the latter years of Mike Ashley’s ownership, with his performances under then-manager Steve Bruce helping to keep the club in the Premier League.
Newcastle were taken over by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia in October 2021 and Bruce was soon replaced by Eddie Howe. In Saint-Maximin’s final season, the club reached the Carabao Cup final and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
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The 29-year-old has played for five different clubs since leaving Tyneside, following spells at Al Ahli - whom he joined from United - Fenerbahce, Club America, RC Lens and now Charlotte FC in the United States. However, nothing compares to his love for Newcastle United, even turning down opportunities to return to England because of it.
Allan Saint-Maximin - ‘I love Newcastle United from the bottom of my heart’
"Newcastle is my dream club,” Saint-Maximin told BBC Sport. “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.”
It wasn’t just on the pitch where Saint-Maximin struck up a special bond with supporters; it was off it too, having volunteered for the city’s foodbank and even giving fans gifts, including Rolex watches, when he arrived at St James’ Park on matchday.
"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,” Saint-Maximin added. “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."